Hateration in the Historically Black College nation

“I felt like we were treated like we were from a different planet…”
These are the words of Kay Oniana Hall, a junior from Houma. Kay was a member of the party representing Southern University at the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities Think Tank that was held at fellow HBCU Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn.
I attended this “Think Tank,” and I feel that Kay pretty much had spoken for the whole group when she made this statement.
Generally speaking, I think that TSU welcomed us with the open arms of someone blistered and wounded. Here we are a giant amongst the HBCU Nation, and we get served like filet mignon on a garbage can lid.
From the beginning of the conference, Southern was greeted with much anticipation. But as we went through the reception process, I perceived a certain aura of antagonism, animosity, and apathy. To be honest, I think it all got started when TSU got a little perturbed at the way Avery Wilson, SU’s SGA president performed those Olympic style back flips at the pep rally. He really “showed out” at the rally, and we were there right beside him. But that is how we are supposed to do it. We are the best-why keep it all on campus?
The president of TSU failed to mention Southern in his address at the dinner. To be honest, I think it was intentional. He failed to mention us, but mentioned schools that were not even in attendance. I think some of those schools he mentioned were no longer open.
Mr. TSU did not make it any better. During his address at dinner, he stated that he was upset at the way TSU, Southern, and Fisk University were fighting during the conference. Attention, Mr. TSU, we are a peace-loving school. We are deeply embedded in the roots of HBCU harmony. We are not fighters, we are achievers.
The campus police harassed and even handcuffed one of our students. During the closing of the conference, I asked TSU Special Events Coordinator and Lead Police Officer Henry Perry if he had received any reports or complaints, he calmly replied “no.” I also asked if he was notified of any physical force used and he also replied “no.” Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t putting someone against a wall and handcuffing him categorized as “physical force”? Evidently, Officer Perry has not been aware of what has been happening on campus during his watch. I will be in touch, Officer Perry.
Why do we get the “Royal Treatment” when we go out in the world and spread love? I have got a few hypotheses. Want to read them? Here you go.
I think that because of our excellence in certain arenas of academia, others are in awe of SU. We have programs that exceed the “common” university and by far pass up stellar Ivy-Leaguers. Look at our Law Center; look at the engineering and nursing programs. Onlookers wonder how, haters wonder why and while they are wasting time doing this, the “smart ones” are filling out applications so they too can get on board.
I think that other HBCU’s are particularly jealous of Southern. I dare ask if this is one of those HBCU traditions. I say this because when we go and represent, WE REPRESENT. There is no qualms or complaints about the SU System when we are on foreign turf. We don’t bring our internal “family” business to the rest of the world. Others see us as happy-go-lucky high achievers and just can’t believe it.
Will the Jaguar Nation please stand up? Our fan base is one that rivals with the Cheese-heads of Green Bay, the Blue Devils fans at Cameron, and those who support the Carolina Blue.
Flora Carter, a graduate of Hampton University in Hampton, Va. describes Southern as bullies. She mentions that when Southern played Hampton in the Heritage Bowl, back in ‘99, she felt as if HU was being bullied. She said that we had more blue and gold, and that the fans were so arrogant. But at the same time, she was in awe of how Southern’s fans followed them. We support SU.
We as students, faculty and staff, alumni, and supporters need to realize just how precious and great this institution is in the eyes of others. I know we all have problems with Southern at some point and time. But, on the outside looking in, we shouldn’t expect them to see a utopia, but they should see damned near perfection.
And that’s the way I see it.