Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Pride Results in Unity As Blacks Face Challenges by Harolyn Swanson Being black means being aware, not only of oneself, but also of those around. There is a certain amount of pride instilled in every black person; pride for dress, pride for culture, and pride in being different. Each individual realizes he is different through everyday experiences. A black person at NWMSU is more aware of differences and of changes around him. Being a minority in a predominantly white institution, a black person finds himself reaching out to other blacks for a feeling of security in unity. Blacks are socially rejected by the majority because of differences in in- terest. There is not conflict, just a great difference in likes and dislikes. Most blacks get a feeling of paranoia here, either in the different phases of college life or in classes; especially in classes. At most, two percent of every class is black. Whenever the student is absent or present the entire class and in- structor are aware. Some of the other students are sometimes kind to the loner. They will try to encourage and help in any way possible. There is not an overall feelin g of prejudice; however there are individual indications. There have been incidents which have dis- rupted the student body. Several signs show that whites still do not like blacks; however relations between the races are improving. Being black here or anywhere else means a constant struggle to prove that we are people, too. 10