Truitt O'neal

Truitt O'neal works for Radio One. He gave us a little information, and it was well said. He said to go after your dreams and have set goals. He also said research what you want to do with your degree and ask ourselves why we picked our major and what we would do with it. I really dont know exactly everything i want to do but i know where i want to be, Stable and Happy.

Symposium

5th African American Literature Symposium






The Literature symposium was really good, I caught the keynote speaker Dr. Mark Anthony Neal. He touched on many points that interested me. His topic was " Nearly Flawless Masculinity". The first thing that he mentioned that really sunk me in was that we as a people were stuck on Obama as a brand, and not focusing on the things that he really had to offer. Black people were hyped to have an African American President, but did not understand his purpose. He then talked about how President Obama was nearly flawless, almost perfect, but still had to fight harder then the past 43 presidents who were simply mediocre but white. " The next to proceed him will most likely be mediocre also". Although President Obama did not grow up with his father, Obama now challenged the myth that society has on black fathers. Neal also spoke about distinguishing ‘Niggas’ and black men. Rappers seemed to over exaggerate and overly praise their "Black Masculinity", while black "men" (meaning professionals) are forced to underplay it. Neal brought up Sarah Palin, and how she represented white "purity". After Obama's moving speech on the hill Palin was announced VP For McCain, although this may have seemed crazy, it was a very smart and strategic plan that took Obama's shining moment and backed him into a corner. He said how looking back into slavery days no black man could ever talk to a white women let alone have the two at a podium debating. One of my final points i enjoyed was how he mentioned the media and how they focus on the first lady, he used examples saying “the media probe and pick at her" and no other first lady has ever been in so much lime light or gotten so much attention. No other first lady’s' body has been under so much "scrutiny". This speaker was wonderful, I also got a chance to listen to a little of the Question and answer section, and he spoke on the topic "nigga" being used by black people and in our music. He stated that after taking a poll and asking teens about the music they listen to and do they agree 70 % said no they don’t agree with the lyrics, after asking why they listen to it they replied: " I listen to it for the beats, I never really catch the lyrics, unless they repeat it over and over on the radio" Neal then stated " this is in fair part due to people like Cathy Hughes, who know how to market music, but at what cost?" After this last question the host quickly ended the event. I enjoyed Mr. Neal and he was greatly appreciated by NCCU.

The Industry

The video that we watched called the "Industry" was really interesting. It made me see that managers have ALOT to do from basic parenting skills to MAJOR business deals, they have alot on there plates, and they do it ALL behind the scenes and do not get enough credit for all their hard work. I liked the idea of how they showed three different managers of famous artists who were popular, and some even more popular now. The industry was raw and realistic, and it made me see that, that is not what i want to do, but i wouldn't mind being the artist.

Biography Reflections...

The Obituary was hard to write, but easy to read, while this biography was easier to write then it was for me to read aloud. This paper was really simple, but it had alot of emotion. In many ways it made me face my past, which i THOUGHT was bad but in the end im glad i was able to do it. It made me realize that if i could ger through that and make it. then i can go through much more and STILL make it on top with god on my side =)

OBITUARY REFLECTION

The obituary was scary... but it let me know i had alot of things i would like to accomplish , which means i should get started now! ... i dont know who i will marry ( maybe my current boyfriend) but i do know he will be a lucky man. After all is said and done i just want to be remebered as an indiviual who made a difference in ones life =) someone who encouraged CHANGE.

Chris "play" Martin

I enjoyed our speaker/ fellow eagle today. I feel he had great points, and i love his attitude. He has a good outlook on things, "the children are our future" type of thing going on. The way he listened to us with the same respect we gave him, if not more was really nice. I could tell that people were obviously inspired, especially me. Listening to our dreams, and wat we WANT out of life. I didnt talk much, felt kinda starstruck at FIRST, but later he made his self clear that he is no different from us. I would like to see his website again( hopefully all the links will work this time.) I wish we could have had more time discussing music. because i love it. ME being an aspiring radio personality, and hopefully one day working with films, i feel as though he would have alot of good tips and i will be contacting him on facebook.

Black Girls Walking

This documentary was a good idea, but i do not feel it was well put. I think it should have had more variety more Men and their opinions. I agree with the director. I do feel that men can be posessive, harsh, and rude AT TIMES. This video is in a certiain neighborhood, but from what i have went through with boys it has never been to that extent, jus basically mental abuse Nothing even close to physical. I love the idea of the video and i feel that it should be re-done , so that it would not feel one sided. question the guys like WHO? What? and WHy? and ask if they dont do it have they seen this behaivor done.
ALSo i feel that in a way this documentary was more of a calling to the black community asking HOW and WHY would they treat their own women this way? It did focus on african americans, and i feel she wanted that message to be read too.