Mayra Bocanegra / Roundup
In honor of Black History Month, the Associated Student Organization (ASO) sponsored an event featuring a speech from Economics Professor James McKeever on the Civil Rights Movement.
The two-hour event took place inside the Great Hall, including food, games and prizes.
Professor McKeever talked about different issues such as education, incarceration, budget cuts, unions and inequality. He emphasized the importance of understanding that the Civil Rights Movement is equality for all, not just African Americans.
The speech, followed by a quick PowerPoint that read: “Not Brown Enough,” outlined President Obama’s negligence toward middle class America.
“Fuck Main Street and lets start thinking about Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Martin Luther King Drive,” said McKeever. “The only change we got is the change in our pockets.”
He went on to discuss the achievement of the Egyptian people, who overthrew their government in only 18 days. The breakthrough caused a lot of controversy around the world.
“How many days will it take you to restore your education system?” said McKeever, after alluding to an illusion of democracy in the minds of Americans.
Shahda Hashemi, a student at Pierce especially enjoyed McKeever’s speech.
“He talked about the Egyptian people. It’s true, it’s their business if they want a Muslim leader,” said Hashemi.
The PowerPoint also presented a picture of McKeever’s son. He went on to share the story of the first time he took his son to a rally and why it’s crucial to teach our younger generations about civil rights.
“Should children really know about this? Yes, we’re fighting for their future,” said McKeever.
He then concluded with the importance of understanding racial inequality. He believes that in order to move beyond ‘black and white,’ we have to stop focusing on our differences, but rather look at our similarities in order to promote unity.
Students were able to ask questions and give their input at the end of the presentation.
The event ended with an invitation to eat and chances to win gift cards by playing trivia games covering topics like culture, arts, literature, figures and history.
Maiqui Layaoen’s painting stands outside the Great Hall at Pierce College on Monday Feb. 28, 2011.Guests could hear speaker James McKeever who is a Sociology teacher talk about the Civil Rights Movement and having equality within every race. (Stephanie Pardo 2011)