LBC hosts Welcome Black Barbeque

The organization promotes diversity on campus.

By Justin Whaley

Published Aug. 28, 2009

Legion of Black Collegians hosted the Welcome Black Barbecue on Thursday in the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center, attracting hundreds of black students.

Journalism major Brittany Howard expressed her realization of diversity on campus.

"There is definitely a divide," Howard said.

Howard said she likes that LBC is so active in Welcome Week, unifying black students on campus.

LBC was founded in 1968 by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha with a mission to "lead, build and climb."

Black Culture Center Director Nathan Stephens said there is a lack of open minds, acceptance and understanding of other cultures.

Stephens said he sees a lack of acceptance, but LBC is trying to work with students to improve diversity in our environment.

"We try to enhance the black student experience," Director of Student Life Mark Lucas said.

Lucas said to promote diversity students and faculty can give people the benefit of the doubt. He said the potential for friendships and connections between two people of different races is present.

"Just give them a chance," Lucas said.

LBC urges students to keep an open mind about the many diverse cultural and social groups on campus. The group promotes respect — a major aspect of successful diversity — to help students evolve as a campus, a community and most importantly, as people. LBC President Anthony Martin said the organization leads by setting an example for students and professors, the campus and the community. Diversity, unity, freedom and equal rights are four important principles to exude, he said.

"Despite color, gender or sexuality, we can all do the same work," Martin said.

In recent studies, the enrollment percentage for students of ethnic backgrounds has increased drastically.

Enrollment of black students at MU has seen a vast amplification. From fall 2008 to fall 2009, freshman enrollment rose from 422 to 484 black students, with enrollment of Hispanic students increasing from 131 students to 152. A total boost from 14.7 percent to 16 percent of black and Hispanic students was observed.

Martin said he wants to accomplish overall expansion of LBC and reach out to similar organizations.

"This is not only a black organization", Martin said.

He wants to see a more open-minded approach to all ethnicities, genders and sexualities.

Martin hopes to lead his organization in educating and influencing MU and the community about challenges black students face, diversity and acceptance of all races and to act as a black voice on campus.

"Our organization gives African Americans empowerment to express their voices as students and as people," Martin said.