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Show February 9, 1979 Signpost Page 5 Black Education Slave era - prior to Editor's note: The following article is part II of a continuing series by Dr. Oliver. His features will center around the importance of black education within the system of education. Dr. Oliver is currently Coordinator of Ethnic Studies at WSC. The recorded history of American black education begins sometime during the early seventeen hundreds. Prior to this time, interest in formal education among blacks was limited. This lack of educational interest could be explained by two possible reasons: (1) educating blacks was illegal and immoral; (2) the recorded information concerning black education is unavailable. This does not mean that black people did not acquire an education. Even though no public education for blacks existed, the first type of teaching blacks received was at the hands of a private tutor or instructor rather than under public auspices. The reason for this educational instruction has not been made clear. However, one can make several assumptions as to why instruction was given blacks: (1) to teach blacks how to read the Bible; (2) to teach blacks reading, writing, and arithmetic so they could be of assistance in a given business enterprise; (3) to assist in making blacks" better jjE Say it in a letter to the Editor! ' t.h I Fb,uary9,h&10th 1 Vl "Td , persons. Unique circumstance Haskins has suggested that the education of blacks was an individual concern. That is, the education of blacks was an individual relationship betwen two people, one black and one white. This individual relationship was considered a unique circumstance and could not be transferred to blacks as a collective or in the developmental process of American black education. However, as more blacks acquired the skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic they began to observe what was going on around them. They watched very closely what was happening to white people that had an education and those that did not. They listened to what white people were saying about the "American Dream." Somehow, which has not been explained by historians, black people connected education with the "American Dream". This connection was interpreted as education is the key to the realization of the "American Dream" : the spirit and traditions of American institutions re extended to all. Borrowed characteristics As blacks acquired their individual "and family ffeedom, 3 t 1840 through acts of manumission, they established themselves in various communities in the north and south. Once these free blacks were established, they became productive members of their communities. They borrowed seme of the social characteristics of their white neighbors, i.e., belief that democracy and capitalism would be applicable to blacks as well as whites. Also, blacks saw education as the first step on the path of social and economic mobility. Quaker educators The first known and white approved organized advocacy of what might be termed "black education" came from Quaker educators as early as 1713. The Quakers developed an interest in African and Afro-American history and culture because they felt that black people needed to know something about their past, so that blacks could be proud of who they were. The Quaker educators were not trying to change their basic curriculum, but felt that if blacks had what other students were receiving, and had Black and African history with contributions they would be in a better position to participate in the American way of life. Lecture series Mr. A.J. Staples, Manager of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith will be the guest lecturer during the "Management at High Noon" Executive Series, on Tuesday, February 13, from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 119 of the Social Science Building. His subject will be "Management and the Stock Market." All students, especially business majors, are invited to attend. 4 Valentine's Day Credit Card Sharp EL-8145 Reg. $34.95 SALE $31.45 Mm ROTC student to obtain award WSC News Bureau Army ROTC Cadet Charles T. Kallam has been selected as the most outstanding cadet at Weber State College. He was selected from a field of 18 eligible candidates on the basis of academic and leadership excellence and will receive the 1979 Gen. George C. Marshall SEND VALENTINES. PTD LpveBundle Bouquet r-s. iv Those FTD Florists really get around ... for you! FTD LoveBundle Bouquet, usually available for less than $17.50. FTD Valentine Bud Vase, usually available for less than $10.00. As an Independent businessman, each FTD Florist sets his own prices.- Service charges and delivery may be additional. Most FTD Florists accept . major credit cards. I this Valentine's Day Vgive him something that will be close to his heart. WSC BOOKSTORE A your 'Advanced Campus Electronics' Ceater national award. Senior cadet In addition, he will participate in the Marshall Award Conference on National Issues in Lexington, Va., April 19-21, said Cadet Alan J. Lyon, ROTC senior cadet course director. Cadet Kallam will be presented his award at ceremonies to be held at WSC in June. LIVING 1 FTD Valentine Bud Vase. , , Calculators t L. 1 V Canon & LC-6 J , Reg. $29.95 SALE $26.95 Your A.C.E. Store Has Them Nov;! |
