The Student Voice Since 1903 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2004
Volunteer Center to help builds homes Li over holiday weekend by Rick Russick
Staff Writer
Photo by Robert Crauthers
Dr. Don Betz, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, left, moderates a discussion with Peter Gilbert after a screening of Gilbert's film "A Southern Town" Dec. 5 in Constitution Hall.
Cable channel to feature civil rights documentary by Lauren Pulsinelli Staff Writer To honor Martin Luther King Day, the Discovery Times Channel will feature Peter Gilbert's do'cumentary, "A Southern Town," Jan. 18 and 19. Sponsored by the American Democracy Project, Peter Gilbert visited Central Dec. 5 for a screening of the documentary and discussion. "A Southern Town" takes place in Jackson, Miss. and tells the stories of some forgotten names of civil rights activists. Gilbert said there are many other civil rights activists other than King and Rosa Parks. He said he filmed in Jackson because his parents were freedom fighters there and he had always heard stories about Jackson. The documentary cuts back and forth between present and past. It depicts the harsh realities
of what America was like in one but didn't know what to do. "People stood up and made a of the last American cities to huge change in our society," he institute civil equality. "Civil rights weren't like the said. "No one really knows about movie 'Mississippi Burning,"' these everyday people." Gilbert said he wanted to Gilbert said, since the FBI was show the whole picture so he not there. tried to get In the film, people on Gilbert examthe other ines the lives of "Civil rights weren't like people who were the movie 'Mississippi side such as a member there, some of Burning."' of the whom were KKK or a rarely representmodern ed, such as racist, but women. he said "I would like — Peter Gilbert they were to do an entire to hard to film on women get a hold in the civil rights of. movement," A firm believer that race is the Gilbert said. He said it was easier for underbelly of America, Gilbert women, especially white women, said he believes an issue that canto organize secret meetings. not be separated is the issue of Gilbert said many people race and class. "If you want to run for presiwanted to help during the time dent, one of the issues avoided is race," Gilbert said. Gilbert lives in Chicago but has traveled all over and said quotes. that basically everyone wants the The annual symbolic same things for their families: march will begin at 1:45 p.m. safety and a good school for Refreshments will be their children. It's just a matter served after the march in the of how you go about getting it, Will Rogers Room of the UC. he said. Dr. Kathryn Gage, vice "I do think we live in the 37 president for Student land of 'have' and 'have nots, Services, will speak at the he said. reception, and the gospel This inspired Gilbert's recent choir will perform. documentary about Brown vs. Anyone interested in parthe Board of Education. ticipating in the march should "If you could imagine how convene on the east side of the brave you had to be in America Nigh University Center. at that time, separate-but-equal "Everyone who believes in never worked," Gilbert said. equal rights and civil rights as Not surprisingly, he said, race Dr. King [should particiissues still exist Gilbert gave the pate]," Conley said. more recent example of the State of North Carolina being sued for the claim that for ten years poor people have not been
March to honor King A celebration and symbolic march will be held Jan. 15 to commemorate the life and death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "This is the 10th year that we've had the celebration," said MeShawn Conley, UCO multicultural organizations. "Celebrating [the holiday] is instrumental to our UCO campus." UCOSA President Kate Thrift and Patrice Stephenson, president of the UCO Ebony Gospel Choir, will introduce the presidents of different. UCO multicultural organizations at the 1 p.m. reception. Each president will recite various King
allowed a proper education. Gilbert heard a witness say that they did not think it mattered because a poor person cannot be educated. "These issues actually exist — we just don't talk about them as much," Gilbert said. "A Southern Town" film is scheduled to have a theatrical debut in May. When asked where the black race is at right now, Gilbert said that that is a very difficult question. "One way to approach that question is to get together all different filmmakers," he said. The only problem is that American filmmakers have to deal with what sells. Gilbert worked seven and a half years on the film "Hoop Dreams," and the studio came back and asked him to make a "real" film about Chicago. He replied, "I just did." "The problem we have is this whole fascination with deviancy," he said. "People need to be educated about how to watch TV these days." Gilbert said he is thankful that the Discovery Times Channel allowed him to make his film without controlling it. "Four companies will soon own the world — it's a scary thing. I think the more people that own companies, the better." Gilbert said it is possible to make a film for a small amount of money and encouraged the audience to go out there and do it. "It is important that we keep the freedom we have worked so hard to gain and vital to keep history alive." The documentary will air at 9 p.m. Jan. 18th and at 12 a.m., 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Jan. 19.
Photo by Justin Avera
Tiffany Haines, graphic design sophomore, weaves a project Jan. 14 in the Art Building.
Baha'i Center to host dramatist by Lauren Pulsinelli Staff Writer Widely acclaimed dramatist Ladjamaya will perform at the Edmond Bahi'l Center at 7 p.m. Jan. 17. The special service is in honor of World Religion Day, a day of observance established in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baldis of the United States. Ladjamaya is known across the country for reciting Balui'l prayers and writings. Ladjamaya's performance will be a collage of poetry, prose, drama and song. Her emphasis is on the need for racial unity and world peace. "I want to use my talents as an instrument of peace," she said. "I want to reach a little closer to the souls of humanity, fostering love, understanding and brotherhood." The Baha'i belief is the conviction that humanity is a single people with a common destiny.
Back to school...
Photo by Justin Avera
Missy Wilson, pre-pharmacy junior, shops for books in the UCO bookstore Jan 12.
Central's Volunteer Center will host a "Building Blitz" Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with Martin Luther King Day celebrations. The theme for the event is, "Make it a day on, not a day off." About 30 students will be needed to build houses for the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity project. Veronica Alarcon, coordinator for the Volunteer Center, said that she has fun and enjoys projects such as this one. "I've participated in several projects like this, and each one is very exciting," she said. After meeting at the Volunteer Center, students will travel to the Spencer and South Oklahoma City areas to begin work on the one-day project. In the past,
some projects have taken many days. "One day we would paint; the next day we would focus on carpentry, cabinetwork and restoration. Another day we might just do landscaping," Alarcon said. "Each day is a different project." Liliana Vargas, freshman Spanish major, is also a volunteer. She said that she enjoys working with other people. "Volunteer projects like this usually consist of a diverse group made of different classes [freshmen, etc.]," Vargas said. "It is exciting to be able to really connect with other people and be involved in a tight group," she said. For information about the Volunteer Center and any of its upcoming events, call 974-2621. For information on the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, visit http://cohfh.org .
In the words of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith, "The earth is but one country, and mankind, its citizens." Baha'u'llah taught that there is
one god who progressively reveals his will to humanity. Baha'is believe that racism is the most vital and challenging issue facing America. Tom Dunn attends the Edmond BaU'i. Center and said, "The basis of the Baha'i faith is that you have to believe in equality of all races." It is also important that men and women are considered equal, he said. "You can't have religion until you have equality," Dunn said. The Band'is see World Religion Day as an annual effort to get all the religions together.
"Hopefully people will get out of this day the oneness of all religions," Dunn said. "Baha'is believe all religions are one." Most Baha'fs celebrate this day by hosting discussions and conferences. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to attend the 7 p.m. event. Normal devotion time is held every Sunday morning from 10 to 10:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at the center, 321 E. Campbell St.