Thirty years ago, a group of students on the Atlanta University Campus came together to present the Black, Male and Feminist/Womanist Conference at Morehouse College.
The conference, produced by Black Men For the Eradication of Sexism, marked an unprecedented moment for activism and scholarship in feminism on campus. Students from all the universities gathered to discuss the culture and confront concerns that arose from Freaknik and other on-campus happenings.
To mark the anniversary of this event, BMES is hosting The Will To Change. The symposium will be held on September 28th from 11AM - 8:30PM at the King Chapel at Morehouse College. Two keynote speakers: Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall from Spelman College Women’s Research and Resource Center and Ryron Hurt, director of I AM A MAN. Professor bell hooks addressed the first conference in 1986.
Two of the gentlemen who founded Black Men For the Eradication of Sexism, Brett Crenshaw and Seitu Jamel Hart, join us to speak about their mission. I asked what they hoped to achieve with the first conference. Both gentlemen said they want to make sure the sisters on campus know that “we see them.” The secondary goal was to expose that sexism, even without violence, is still a problem.
They agree that men have to work to change other men. Brothers need to hear the voices of other men to understand how sexism impacts other lives. Crenshaw broke down his experiences with sexism as a student, a father, and now as a mentor to other young men.
All are invited to attend the upcoming symposium, from those in the ivy towers of academia to those in corporate or working in the community. The Will To Change will address the future and encourage the men in our community to work towards their mission - Black Men for the Eradication of Sexism.
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