Howard University - Bison Yearbook (Washington, DC)

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Reassertion Is . . . Reassertion implies the renewal ol efforts to achieve certain objectives. Having been involved in student life and student development activities for a number of years, I have been cognizant of student interest in the achievement of various objectives which from time to time change but to a large extent remain constant. Student interest in quality education has not diminished. What appears to change from time to time are the strategies fashioned in the interest of achieving certain goals. — Dr. Ctrl E. Anderson Vice President for Student Affairs Reassertion to me is the act of reinforcing the positive attributes of one's self. Campus life this year seems to be taking new and positive directions. Students are showing an increased involvement in the many facets of campus life and the planning and implementation of varied programs. There seems also to be more student awareness of alumni programs and activities. Altitudinal changes in students can be seen by their direct involvement with University related activities — educational, social and political. Publications and campus organizations are impacting positively with local, national and international affairs. — Margo D. Pinson Alumni Special Events Oflicer Department of Alumni Affairs In the context of a University setting, reassertion is to come back to again, start anew or affirm and carry into action a life style, ideal or commitment that has been dormant. There is a trend toward a tolerant attitude toward different points of view, greater self-esteem and the ability to work with others. Students are beginning to seek opportunities, both within and outside the University, to find their place in society and to explore and develop new experiences. Educationally students are setting higher realistic educational expectations and aspirations. — Vincent Johns Director of Student Activities 26

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 Reassertion usually follows a reassessment of one's situation and a clarification of goals and strategies. Reassertion may come in different and unexpected forms. A reassertion, or resurgence, of people of color around the world is now clearly in evidence as reflected in the movement for a new international economic order, the struggles for liberation in Africa and elsewhere, and the movements on behalf of political prisoners and human rights. Sadly, there is also a reassertion on the part of elements in this country and elsewhere which seek to turn back the clock and deny hy force of law or otherwise the meager advances made by the struggle of the disadvantaged, exploited and oppressed. Vigilance, determination, and cooperation between peoples of goodwill will be required to stay the forces which would seek to deny basic human rights to all. Reassertion by students has focused in several areas including self-development, student government, student rights and concern for international affairs. In some respects, of course, reassertion is not the correct term because there has been a continuum of student interest and activity over the years in these areas. But of late a certain emphasis has emerged which is unmistakable. Student reassertion in its several guises has been quite apparent at the University this year in several areas of institutional policy and governance. This reassertion is welcome and speaks to the quality of student participation which the University encourages and, in fact, requires for its continued well-being. — fames E. Cheek, Ph.D. , L.H.D., L.L.D., D.H.C., Ed.D. President of the University 25

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 In the 1970'$, people are thinking that all is well, that there is no struggle as a people. People are only interested in individual prosperity, while at the same time, people are being evicted, not going to professional schools, and the like. So, we must return to the basic things we have been doing to reclaim our rights as human beings. Student reassertion has been very disappointing due to too much partying. Society will listen if students TRY. If we don't challenge this neo conservative trend NOW, we will have to face a very cruel society when we graduate. We want to make it so that those coming after us will have something on which to build. — Sami A do, President Hon did University Student Association It (reassertion ] is the sojourn the stray must make through the edifice to the liaison of past and eternity, the godliness in all who were stolen, the soul. Campus life is a microcosm of the greater whole. Such is witnessed with the problems among students on campus. Students are insensitive to the oppression of our race, like those of the greater whole. Students are not organized, neither is the greater whole. I evaluate campus life as I evaluate the greater whole, the most wretched and infamous of existences. I see signs of reassertion on many faces but it is in Watotowajua where it lives. — Wayne McDowell President, liberal Arts Student Council The word reassertion means the rebirth of a new positive declaration of efforts to achieve a desired goal. This new thrust usually succeeds a period of passiveness, and represents a rejuvenation of all drives to obtain success. The campus life of Howard University is showing signs of progressive change. Through the last few years, the campus life has been very politically pathetic and socially oriented. Recently, due to the critical nature of prevailing issues, the students of Howard have begun to reassert their efforts in to the struggle of Black students. — Garland Hunt Coordinator, Undergraduate Student Assembly 2