Segregation of the Congregation

"You can't save someone who wants to drown"

Positive discrimination is a touchy subject. So what happens when a group of educated young people, each with varying opinions, come together to discuss a topic which in one way or another influences their lives?

                                     

Dr.Onyeka Osuji opened the debate by sharing his views and continued to add his input, addressing both the panelists and the audience. His presence certainly added another dimension to the debate and kept the panelists on their toes.

The proposition began their argument smoothly, methodically laying down their points. Then the opposition presented the counter, opening with an intriguing poem ending in “segregation of the congregation” which scored them brownie points with some members of the audience. After both sides gave their closing arguments the floor was then opened up to the audience and what followed was an escalation of impassioned discussion peppered generously with good-natured laughter. The response from the audience was strong, at points getting very heated, but then again, what is debate without some heat?

Most of the questions were directed at the opposition, whose stand was that discrimination in any form can never be a good thing, because by discriminating in favour of one you always discriminate against another. With audience members heavily scrutinizing their argument, it was clear which side had the majority vote, nevertheless, they stood their ground and made strong points, suggesting that surely this notion of classifying people as 'disadvantaged' and therefore unable to help themselves unless helped by positive discrimination is rather archaic and doesn’t support the forward direction in which society ought to be going.

The proposition countered, arguing that, it was just semantics. They argued that though the word discrimination has negative connotations, when done well, positive discrimination as it was intended could be highly beneficial. Their point was well reinforced by one of the panel members who noted that 'Affirmative Action' doesn't simply apply to black people, but a large range of people including those that are living with a disability or are underprivileged. He also argued that he wouldn't be at one of the top Universities, or having the debate if he hadn't experienced positive discrimination himself. The opportunities that he has had the privilege of having would simply have been unimaginable if it wasn't for positive discrimination.

The debate was stimulating to say the least and no matter which side of the fence you were on, or whether you thought that both sides made good points, it definitely provided plenty of food for thought.

There was even an African proverb thrown in courtesy of Dr.Osuji: “You can't save someone who wants to drown” which I'm sure will be one for the grandkids when we are all old and wise.

ACS did an excellent job in picking up on an issue, which allowed room for healthy debate! Once again another great event by the committee! Thanks guys!

Naa Okantey

“Imagination has the ability to take you anywhere you want to go” Floella Benjamin talk.

"If they weren't strong, they were dead, they were gone."


Smiles, hugs and inspiration were among the many things Floella Benjamin distributed on Saturday the 5th of October in the Forum Auditorium. She coated them in song, dance and a dramatic story telling of her journey from a young girl growing up in Trinidad coming to England.

Of her three gifts to us on that day, she endorsed smiling through laughter, constant compliments and courage in the face of adversity and inconvenience. From the first few seconds of encountering her, I could tell she practiced what she preached. Her radiance and personality exuded happiness and accomplishment. She hugged everyone in the room that day and ended the afternoon in what is probably the biggest group hug I will ever participate in in my life.

But above it all, her words of wisdom were unparalleled to any I have ever heard. “Imagination has the ability to take you anywhere you want to go” were her words. Confidence, contentment and consideration are her three C’s. Family, friends, forgiveness and individuality have been her companions throughout her life.

There was a personal sense of pride in meeting her. She signified for me, not only the ambition and ability of black people but the well deserved progress and the eliteness of black women in the world today.

When Baroness Floella Benjamin was done speaking and ended her talk in a heart warming song, her story and her presence left everyone in awe and our minds were so stunned that it took a good few seconds before applauds could break out. When they did, they echoed across the hall. She inspired, she motivated, she advised. She fed souls and on that day, she made us aware of how perseverance, confidence, opportunity and good will can enable us to withstand the obstacles and challenges of life.


Thank you Baroness Floella Benjamin for what will always be one of the most memorable moments of my life.

Disun Vera-Cruz
ACS President

Jack Gilbert, 4th year, Law:

The talk was very engaging and active, very inspirational with real-life examples of theoretical thoughts, with great reflection upon the society as a whole.

Alan Omogbai, 4th year Law:
Life changing. I Felt like I was meant to be here. It was a monumental life event. I will look back on today, at this moment, as one that changed my life.

Tumi Sotire, 3rd year Clinical Science:
Very inspiring. She didn't just talk to us, she performed. She encouraged me to have an open mind about the world around me.

Awele Ikenwe, 3rd year Law

Phenomenal. After this, I feel like I can conquer the world. I Feel more proud than ever to be black.

It's here.

So Black History Month has arrived. After all the anticipation it is finally here...

First thing's first, tune in to Xpression.fm on Wednesday at 6pm to hear the interview with the committee (I repeat, 6pm on tomorrow, Xpressionfm, 87.7).

To follow on from that. . .

BARONESS FLOELLA BENJAMIN, OBE TALK
As you may already be aware, we're hosting a talk from Baroness Floella Benjamin, Chancellor of Exeter University, tomorrow (5th October 2013) in the Alumni Auditorium. The talk starts at 2pm prompt and the doors open at 1:30pm. The Baroness provides an informal talk and network detailing her successes and challenges as a woman of power.

Motivating & inspiring for all! Not to be missed!

DEBATE
In addition to celebrating Black History Month, we are holding an interactive debate and the topic of the debate will be "Can discrimination ever be positive?" In order to pull this off we need four volunteers who would be willing to begin the debate for both sides. Basically, we need 2 people to represent both sides of the debate and lead the discussion with opening arguments. This is your chance to express your opinions and we encourage you to bring your friends along or anyone who has an interest in debating as well.

The 4 spaces will be allocated on a first come first serve basis so the first 4 people who reply to this email expressing an interest in getting one of the spots will get them. Also please specify which side you would like to represent in your email. This event would be held on the 11th October 2013. More details coming soon...

CULTURAL SHOCK

We are also proud to present the CULTURAL SHOCK on the 18th October 2013! This is the day to show off your traditional attires and diverse cultures! :) Let's show how culturally diverse Devon can be! The event will be featuring students and societies from the university with dance acts, spoken word and so much more :)

This is something for you to get involved in if you want! We are trying to display all types of culture that Exeter has to offer. Please reply to this email for further details or if you want to get involved :)

As you can always expect, there will be delicious food on the night :)


For more information on this, check the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/494571807293024/?context=create


Dara Omoyele

Vice President