Eastern Illinois Zetas host forum the effects of slavery in America

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The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated hosted an open discussion about slavery and the affect it has on African Americans in today’s society Monday at Lumpkin Hall Auditorium.

Brianne McGee, a junior nursing major and one of the event’s organizers, said this event took a long time to plan.

“We really wanted this to be special and to kick off Black History Month,” she said.

McGee said the intent of hosting this event was to stimulate some important issues in students’ minds.

“We really want this to provoke some thought into our young African American youth,” she said.

During the discussion, McGee read a poem that illustrated the issue of racial inequality African Americans have faced throughout history.

McGee said the sorority wants people to think about the reality African Americans face and rise above the mentality of slavery and not use it as an excuse.

Cina Campbell, a freshman psychology major, said she was excited to voice her opinion.

“I wanted to know how slavery still affects our Black culture,” she said.

Campbell said although the physical aspect of slavery ended a long time ago, people still deal with slavery’s negative affects.

Chris Pearson, a freshman undecided major, said he enjoyed the event and believes it provided him with valuable insight.

“I really walked away from here feeling enlightened,” he said.

Pearson said this event made him want to work hard and achieve his best efforts.

“I know that I should hold my own work ethic in high regards, not because I’m black, not because I’m a male, but because I want to succeed in life,” he said.

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