Bates Faculty

 My fall break was excellent. I was able to relax, reunite with some of my friends and catch up on some work. When it was time for me to return to Bates, I began to search for individuals who could provide me with a ride back to campus. I immediately contacted some students at Bates and many of them were not available to pick me up. I became somewhat worried and I eventually resolved that I would have to pay for a shuttle to drive me from the airport to Bates.

 But an interesting thing happened. I noticed a man on the plane with me who I believed was a professor at Bates. I had never met this man before, but I certainly recognized him. I said to myself, “hey I know this may be odd, but maybe I should ask him if he teaches at Bates and whether or not he could give me a ride to campus.”  So, I approached him and asked him if he taught at Bates. He said yes and I of course identified myself. His name was Michael Murray and he taught in the Economics Department. Once I learned that he was a professor of economics I finally realized where I met him. I recalled spending long nights in Pettengill Hall (where the Economics Department is housed) and seeing him there sometimes in the evenings while studying. I then asked him if he could give me a ride and he surprisingly said YES. Thank God.

 On our way back to campus we had a great conversation on politics, Bates, his decision to become an economics professor and community work. Professor Murray has been teaching at Bates for 24 years. Before teaching at Bates he taught at large universities. He noted he was compelled to teach at Bates because he loves interacting with students in smaller learning communities. He values getting to know students personally. This is something he found much more difficult to do at a larger university.  I also learned that his son founded a community organization in Philadelphia that I’m familiar with called the Empowerment Group.

Professor Murray represents the character of Bates very well. Faculty, staff and administrators at Bates are always willing to assist students in times of need. This small act of kindness certainly provides a good representation of the quality of professors we have at Bates.

 Thank you Professor Murray!

Yours in the struggle, I am

Brother Phillips

I attended the 2009 Freedom Summer Conference in Oxford, Ohio. The conference supported my academic interests.

This academic year, I’m writing a year long  thesis in African American Studies that will examine the meaning behind whether Blacks shifted in support of two prevailing schools of thoughts: Black Integrationist and Black Nationalist social justice philosophies during the period of 1954-1968.  Several participants at this conference worked with leaders/organizers of both Black Integrationist and Black Nationalist social justice philosophies and tactics.  At this conference I received an opportunity to converse with those involved with Black Integrationist and Black Nationalist social justice philosophies during the period of my proposed study. Specifically, at the conference, I spoke with members of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, the Congress of Racial Equality and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The conference inspired me to continue my commitment to community service and activism. Conference presenters and activists were extremely helpful in advising me on my thesis topic. They were able to provide me with personal testimonies on their experiences with the movement that I could not receive from any textbook.

I truly appreciate the support of Bates College’s Multicultural Center, the program in African American Studies and Affirmative Action Office for providing me with funding to make the trip possible.

Yours in the struggle, I am

Brother Phillips

Bates Family and Friends Weekend

This past weekend,  parents, grandparents, siblings and friends were invited to share in the Bates experience with their children. They sat in classrooms, ate dinner in New Commons, cheered on the Bates Bobcats at sporting events and attended several arts and cultural events. Supposedly, there was a parents social as well, that students were not invited to.  Who knows what goes down when our parents get together…

During parents weekend the Bates Acapella groups typically get together to perform for the Bates community. Here are the Bates Deansmen performing one my favorite songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xokS61o7WCg

O and the Bates modern dance company had a concert and thats was terrific. There was a packed house for the performance on Saturday and Sunday. I couldn’t take photos because it would’ve been distracting to the dancers.

Yours in the struggle, I am

Brother Phillips

Admissions Officer Marylyn Scott preaches a sermon on "Being a Closet Christian" in the Chapel

Each week there is a protestant chapel service at Bates. It runs for about an hour. The service includes scripture reading, prayer, a gospel choir performance, and sometimes the Chapel is treated to a praise dance performance. One Sunday, we even had a huge dinner after service called “Sunday Dinner,” which reminded me of the good Sunday dinner I get back at home.

 Marylyn Scott, Director of Multicultural Recruitment at Bates preached this past Sunday (October 4th, 2009) in the Bates Chapel on the subject “Being a Closet Christian.” In the sermon, she described her undergraduate experience at a large public university and how the institution’s social environment could have very well distracted her from being a responsible and dedicated Christian. Marylyn emphasized that in college, students should not lose themselves and let go of their moral principles. She noted that we must stand strong in our purpose and continue to live our Christian lifestyles.

Who would’ve known that an admissions officer could actually preach like a televangelist and inspire people to become better Christians? This encourages me to learn what other hidden talents Bates admissions officers have!! I guess I should not be that surprised because at Bates we see faculty, administrators and staff interacting with students in ways that many would never imagine could happen in college. Sometimes they counsel students, have dinner together and even chat about serious and not so serious topics. That’s Bates for Ya.  

Marylyn Scott, job well done!

 Yours in the struggle, I am

 Brother Phillips

My friends and members of Bates College class of 2010 Marshall Hatch Jr (left side) and Greg Gumbs (Right Side)

 Brother Phillips has returned to Bates College. Senior year is off and running. I’m happy to see my mentors and other administrators, faculty and staff here at Bates. Again, I believe the support these individuals give to students is phenomenal. This year, I’m attempting to write an honors thesis. I’m also taking the following classes: Philosophy: From Descartes to Kant, African American Studies: Prelude to the Civil Rights Movement and Biology: Human Reproduction. Any work I conduct in the natural sciences is difficult for me. So I imagine that the biology class I’m taking this semester will be challenging as well. Yet, if I work really hard I may manage to earn a decent grade in the class.

 This semester I will be making several post undergraduate plans. I intend to enter graduate school or participate in some sort of community/volunteer service program after graduation.

 I have so much to do, with so little time. However, I plan to “Keep [My] Eyes on the Prize [and] Hold on Hold on”

 Pray for me!

 Do well everyone!

 Yours in the struggle, I am

 Brother Phillips

Institute Scholars

I have numerous vivid and wonderful memories from this summer. Here are some of the special moments I shared in summer ’09.

This summer I graduated from my two summer leadership program for African American male college students, The Institute for Responsible Citizenship in Washington, D.C.. Through the program, I received a unique opportunity to participate in hour long round table discussions with General Colin Powell, Congressman Arthur Davis, crisis management consultant Eric Denzehall, Republican Party National Chairman Michael Steele, the Vice-President of the College Board, renowned surgeon Dr. Ben Carson and many more.  The highlight of this summer, as it was last summer, would be the significant amount of time I spent becoming further acquainted with the other talented students in the program. We were housed on the campus of American University for two months together. There we often burned the midnight oil, having conversations on social issues as well as engaging in all sorts of silly conversations on life. In the end, I know that the brothers in the program will do great things. In the future, I know we will work together as prophetic voices of peace, love, and justice.

2009 Institute Scholars

I conducted a research internship with the Smithsonian Institution Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast D.C..  I joined a team of student researchers in a community mapping project that traced the history of Houses of Worship in southeast D.C.. It involved collecting comprehensive surveys and all sorts of data collection of HOWs in southeast D.C.. This research complemented my current academic studies because I have considerable interest in preserving African American history. The project I worked on made an attempt to make the southeast D.C. community (predominately African American neighborhood) aware of their history through a community documentation center. It also empowered me on how to best collect archival information. I most especially learned how to utilize archives.  I would like to extend a warm thanks to Smithsonian Institution Office of Fellowships and Minority Awards for making this research internship possible.

Summer 2009 Smithsonian Institution Anacostia Community Museum Interns

Furthermore, I became the President of Philadelphia’s Youth Action Team. Youth Action, is a youth led community based non-profit organization that I co-founded when I was 14 years of age at the Tavis Smiley Foundation National Youth to Leaders conference in Washington D.C.. Our organization works to empower young African Americans to become socially, economically, and civically aware. We believe that when young people are acutely aware of problems in their communities, they will be encouraged to better themselves and their communities. But the best part of Youth Action is that, the organization is solely led by high school and college aged youth. This year, as President, I will focus my attention on helping the team build the administrative end of our non-profit, while continuing to elevate our community service to the city of Philadelphia. I know that I will be taking on a large responsibility this year, yet I’m prepared for it.

Youth Action Executive Board with Tavis Smiley at their 2009 Charity Gala

Lastly, I devoted much consideration and time to preparing for either graduate school or the professional world after Bates. For years, I have told people that I have this intense desire to receive a PhD in African American Studies. Therefore, I’m reviewing masters and PhD programs for the degree. In addition, I’m also thinking about possible career opportunities that I can do once I graduate from Bates in May. We shall see what happens. I’m hoping for the best. However, I do know that Plan A is to enter a graduate program in African American Studies.

As you can see, my summer has been quite fruitful, eventful and very busy. But I’m pleased with how I spent and managed my time this summer.

 I will be back at Bates in a week! Time for Senior Year!

 Yours in the struggle, I am

 Brother Phillips

National Council for Black Studies student awards luncheon

In March, I received a student writing award for an essay that I wrote for the National Council for Black Studies student essay contest. I submitted a paper entitled: Origins of the African American Experience: The African American Resistance Struggle. The paper examines how original tactics used in African American resistance struggles directly influenced protest methods employed by African Americans in proceeding resistance struggles. I argue that immense planning, along with immense pain, and immense struggle, filtered with agitation are crucial ingredients that can be found within African American resistance struggles. Spelman College professor of history, William Jelani Cobb PhD nominated my essay for the contest.

I placed third out of numerous student essays that were submitted, received a check for $125 and an opportunity to attend the National Council for Black Studies conference free of charge.

I want to encourage students of African American studies to apply for this writing contest sponsored by the National Council for Black Studies. To learn more about the contest visit http://www.ncbsonline.org/student_essay_contest

Yours in the struggle, I am

Brother Phillips

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Tavis Smiley will attend Youth Action’s 3rd Annual Charity Gala. The event will also honor the West Philadelphia YMCA’s outstanding service to the community. The creation of Youth Action is attributable to Smiley as the organization was founded six years ago by alumni of the Tavis Smiley Foundation. The event serves as the culminating event to the group’s two-year project to raise awareness about public health and as fundraiser for the organization.

Tavis Smiley is a widely celebrated journalist, PBS show host, philanthropist, author and activist. On both his PBS talk show and PRI radio show, Smiley interviews world leaders and entertainers about some of the most pressing issues concerning society today. In addition, Smiley’s involvement in current affairs extends beyond the studio to include work with youth leadership development with the Tavis Smiley Foundation, the documentary STAND, best selling book Covenant with Black America, and the All-American Presidential Forums. Smiley is truly one of America foremost leaders as evident by his 2009 TIME magazine recognition as one “The World’s 100 Most Influential People.”

The West Philadelphia YMCA located at 5120 Chestnut Street is a valued community member that helps it club members and local neighbors by operating a number of vital programs including nutrition, healthy living, and fitness classes. Managing Director James Jones states, ” At our upcoming gala we will honor the West Philadelphia YMCA not only for what they do inside their facility, but their work outside the walls of the YMCA.” “At the Gala, Youth Action will salute the YMCA for their willingness to improve the livelihoods of citizens young and old that Youth Action will salute at our Annual Gala,” he continued.

This year’s Gala will be held at the Hilton Philadelphia at 4200 City Line Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. The event will kick off at 6pm on August 15, 2009. Individual ticket cost is a minimal donation of $60. Youth Action is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization, all donations are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit Youth Action’s yearly community service projects. Sponsors include First Bank of Delaware, Marian R. Jones, and Health Partners. For more information about the event or how to purchase tickets, please contact James Jones at 1(888) YOUTH- 90 ext 903 or jjones@youthactionteam.org.

About Youth Action
Youth Action is a not-for-profit community organization founded in 2003 by alumni of the Tavis Smiley Foundation and consists of young African American teens and young adults aspiring for positive change in their communities. What sets Youth Action apart from many other community organizations is that aside from a handful of adults who are involved, high school and college students solely run the organization. These ambitious and dynamic youth are committed to making an effective change in their communities. Youth Action’s mission is to empower young African Americans to become socially, economically and civically aware. Through organizing innovative events and programs that raise public awareness about issues in underrepresented communities Youth Action is committed to the social uplift of young people. For more information about Youth Action and its outreach programs, please contact spokesperson James Jones at jjones@youthactionteam.org 1-888- YOUTH- 90 or visit us at: www.youthactionteam.org

About the Tavis Smiley Foundation
The Tavis Smiley Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by media personality Tavis Smiley to enlighten, encourage, and empower youth by providing leadership skills that will promote and enhance the quality of life for their lives, their community and the world. Since its inception, more than 5,500 youth have participated in the foundation’s leadership workshops and conferences. The foundation is based in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.youthtoleaders.org

2008-2009 Morehouse College visiting student

Whenever I recall my yearlong study at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, I never fail to mention to people that the insignia of a Morehouse education emphasizes a moral imperative to serve. In a sense, at Morehouse, I entered a “fraternity” founded on brotherhood, academic excellence and service. Through this network, I became familiar with the values that strengthen Morehouse students to reach this plateau in life.

Men of Morehouse are not simply charged to become successful, they are charged to become great. This definition of greatness extends well beyond individual accomplishment; it insists that greatness reflects a communal experience with a focal point on uplifting their communities. Morehouse students are destined. They choose not to settle for mediocrity in their chosen life pursuits and render to themselves high self expectations.

They share several conventional assumptions common to their institutional values. These challenging, yet tangible objectives include being well read, well spoken, well traveled, well dressed, and well balanced. These pillars empower Morehouse students to optimize their potential in order to become the best servants to humankind.

Morehouse contributed to my intellectual and social growth. I arrived at a serious understanding of Afrocentricity through a class I took with Dr. Samuel Livingston. I have a newfound respect for the philosophical thoughts of Marcus Garvey and Howard Thurman due to the leadership of Dr. Aaron Parker and Dr. Walter Fluker. Moreover, my appreciation for African American history and its applications became alive under the guidance of Dr. William Jelani Cobb. The countless number of informal lunch and dinner conversations on issues affecting the world and the crown forums I attended with some of world’s most esteemed public servants increased my social consciousness. These experiences deepened my concern for social, political and economic justice for people of African descent.

I made numerous friends and partake in a unique social experience with students who have frivolous yet enjoyable conversations. Thrilling, prideful and excitement are words that best describe Morehouse’s social life. On any given week, I could hear the sound of the marching band, attend pageants, observe Greek step and stroll shows, and attend weekly block parties known as “Hump Wednesday”; all of which added to the intellectual satisfaction I received at Morehouse.

Morehouse changed me for the better. I now have more confidence in myself and a better sense of purpose. Students who wish to form lifelong friendships and desire an education for liberation should consider attending Morehouse as an exchange student. It forever changed my life, and I’m sure it will change yours. For this, I thank God for Bates’ generosity for helping me enhance my identity. I thank Bates for extending me the opportunity to have experienced the walk of a Man of Morehouse.

Yours in the struggle, I am

Brother Phillips

The 2009 Morehouse Student Government Association Elections have begun. SGA elections at Morehouse are filled with the most interesting campaign slogans, gimmicks and cut throat debates. Candidates literally run their campaigns similar to real political elections. I’m supporting candidates who are individuals who I think will best serve Morehouse next fall.  These candidates are individuals who have demonstrated their love for Morehouse as well as their ability to be a effective leader. This surely has been a great experience. Election day is April 20th, 2009.