Black unity organization hosts panel on ‘keeping it real’

November 2, 2009 —

Keeping it real can be a lot harder than it seems.

The Organization of Black Unity hosted a panel on the topic Wednesday, Oct. 28 in the Malcolm Field Theatre for the Performing Arts.

The question under discussion was simple: How do you stay true to yourself — academically, professionally and personally?

Officers in the organization came up with the idea for the event after having a summer retreat with associate professor of sociology Dr. Dawn Hinton.

“Her focus was keeping it real at school and in the workplace,” said Darrin Flowers, a history graduate student. “We decided to get the student body involved and bring in some accredited sources who have been down that road and would give insight into separating the realities of where you came from and functioning in the real world.”

The panelists were Tony LaDrig, an SVSU history senior; LaDonna Young, an SVSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in public administration; Dr. Desmon Daniel, chief executive of Motivating Factor, an organization focused on inspiring others to excel; and Marcia Thomas, director of Minority Student Services on campus.

To set the stage for discussion, planners played a video clip from black standup comedian Dave Chappelle. In the skit, “When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong,” Chappelle played a company vice president. When a white board member poked fun at Chappelle’s character, he attacked the man.

The discussion that followed included topics that ranged from how to keep it real, maintain professional dress and see the difference in how society views its celebrities and its professionals.

The panelists kept their responses lighthearted but serious. A common theme began to emerge: students should develop an idea of who they are by increasing their knowledge and handling themselves responsibly on campus and in the workplace.

Tidbits of advice included students’ need to research the companies they want to work for and to present themselves as a good match for its corporate attitude. For example, applicants looking for a job in a particularly conservative company may need to adapt their approach to be the best candidate.

On the other hand, panelists said, students shouldn’t put themselves in a position that makes them feel uncomfortable or as though they’re abandoning their principles.

Undecided freshman Tony Dyer said, “I decided to come tonight on a whim with some friends, and I really enjoyed the general vibe.”