Susan Taylor, editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence magazine, will be the keynote speaker
at the Florida A&M Student Summit on March 28 at 6 p.m. in Gaither Gymnasium.
Panelist for the summit will include author and professor Cornell West, three-time
presidential candidate Ralph Nader, Frank Brogan, chancellor for the State University
System of Florida, 21-year-old multimillionaire Hezekiah Griggs, activist Robert Baker and FAMU alumna Altria Charles.
Panelists will discuss issues including healthcare, global warming, employment,
race relations and how students can make a difference in all these areas.
“Often times at (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), we hurt ourselves because
we do not do enough to attack global and domestic issues,” said Anthony Brown, 21, a
senior from Queens, N. Y.
Brown, director of Economic Development for FAMU Student Government Association, said several other changes have been made to this year’s summit because the issues are not geared solely on African-American concerns.
The changes include broadening of the topics and dropping of the term Black from the title.
SGA President Gallop Franklin said he favors the globalization of the summit. He said the panelist would facilitate an intellectual conversation pertaining to the global responsibilities of students.
“The role of African Americans in society is important, but at the same time, we must separate ourselves from that to truly become a part of the global world in reference to tomorrow’s leaders,”said Franklin.
The summit is open to students from every college campus in Tallahassee.
Rachel Jean-Louis, the secretary of Economic Development, said students from other schools could improve by participating.
“We wanted to attract the greater Tallahassee community, including FSU & TCC,” said the 22- year-old business administration student from Montclair, N.J. “We believe the panelists will be beneficial to them as well.”
Each panelist will offer their perspective as specialist in different areas. Nader will speak about the realities of global warming. Brogan will address the development of The Florida Initiative, which involves the reconfi guring of Florida’s economy.
Charles will elaborate on research she done conducted pertaining to minority production in the work place. Cornell West will offer insight on race and economic issues.
Brown said the dynamic array of individuals and the topics they will discuss is encouraging to him as a young man. In particular, Brown is encouraged by Griggs, the self-made multi-millionaire.
“Having someone our age sit on the panel is inspiring,” Brown said. “It brings a lot of value
because of the close peer range.”
The FAMU SGA and the FAMU National Pan-Hellenic Council put the summit together.
Jean-Louis said she wants students to take the summit seriously.
“Come with questions you want answered and take what you’ve learned and apply it,” Jean-Louis said.