This week, the Oberlin College African American Studies Department concluded its Black History Month celebrations. Last Tuesday, students and faculty engaged in a critical and thoughtful panel discussion on the topic of racism, entitled “The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?”
“Racism is definitely not dead, it has only become politically correct,” sophomore Nabilah Talib said. “It’s either in people’s subconscious, or rather, people are conscious of it, but are not allowed to acknowledge their feelings. If it was dead, our social structure would be different.”
Oberlin students listened eagerly as panel members gave their definition of racism and challenged the question of whether racism is dead or not. Professor Pamela Brooks attested that racism is alive, and that exploitation still exists. Brooks talked about her struggle as a professor and an African – American woman to claim a space in an institution that does not automatically treat her equally. She called on students and allies to engage in the fight against racism as active participants, and not mere spectators.

Professor Booker C. Peek explained that combating racism and discrimination requires intense stamina, and encouraged students to confront racism actively by “fighting intellectually and morally.” He demanded that students critically analyze how unequal access to liberty within American society could be justified.
“Racism is not dead, and I don’t think that it will ever be dead. Our minds are not capable of dismissing our differences. However, I believe that there is room and hope for improvement,” junior Sage Lewis said. “Booker Peek is right, most Americans believe in that American paradigm; but he gave enough arguments against the false American Dream. However, as a white man, I don’t believe that all white people fall into the category of a ‘racist,’ because I don’t support those negative ideas and beliefs.”
“We are not only revisiting the problem of the color line, we are living in it,” Professor of African American Studies Meredith Gatsby said. She added that racism is not the only issue that has hindered social equality, and that sexism must be attacked, as well.
“Racism is far from ended. Discussions like this one are vital in order to remind ourselves of its ‘ever-pres

ence’ in our lives, whether we can or cannot readily discern its existence,” sophomore Aaliyah Bilal said.
Many people argue that racism has taken a different form then it has in the past. Professor James Millette said that in his generation African Americans were more “aware of race,” and had a “sharper consciousness or understanding” of race relations. “What one doesn’t experience, one doesn’t understand,” Millette said.
First-year Jadell Pearson concurred. “Our generation is unique. Racism is defined differently in my life than in my parents’ lives. I did not live in the same fear as my parents did,” Pearson said. “In a way, because of the advancements made by my parents, I have acquired certain privileges that were not available to them.”

To senior Jamon Holt, the key to combating racism begins with education. Holt argued that through education, African Americans will acquire the knowledge and strength needed to overcome many of the underlying problems of racism. “Education is important and necessary. We must match the tools of the master in order to make it, but we can’t use them against ourselves.”
“Racism is something that I go through everyday. Stuff like racial profiling — cops pulling you over or someone you know — hits too close to home,” senior Menna Demessie said. “Yet I do believe that racism is more inferential and less physical these days. It’s different for our generation. It’s a politics game. What I do know is that Oberlin is a special place. We can actually talk about diversity here!”
This month, the Oberlin College Department of African American Studies has brought together many different speakers and performers, creating a venue that incorporated both critical dialogue and education to attack the question, “Is racism dead?” The celebration of Black History Month ended yesterday with a performance by Rasherly McClearly, Truth: The Testimonial of Sojourner Truth, a theatrical performance narrating the life of Sojourner Truth and telling a story of struggle, resistance and rejoicing.

“I found the piece extremely important. We don’t have the opportunity to learn and appreciate the contributions that black people have made in this country, especially not black women. The performer was great. She was able to evoke the strength and greatness that black women possess, but are not given any recognition for,” senior Naima Bond said.