Poet shares visions for social change

By CORY SHINDEL
Collegian Staff Writer

With nearly 200 pairs of eyes focused upon her, poet Sonia Sanchez read selections of her work Thursday night at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Sanchez, the author of 16 books, interspersed critiques of American society between her poetic selections. Before reading excerpts from her books, Sanchez spoke about the social and economic climate of the United States. Addressing the need for social change in areas such as education, medical care and politics, Sanchez urged audience members to take responsibility for the society in which they live.

The poet's analysis of society included a critique of the American political system. In the upcoming millennium, Sanchez said, people must make their true concerns known to public officials to make economic and political policy more effective. The trials of President Clinton in Congress represented the distance between public opinion and political policy, Sanchez said.

"We really need you to integrate into your system what those people are doing down in Congress," Sanchez said. "We're not concerned with what that dude is doing in his office with that woman, we are concerned that they are dropping bombs on Iraq."

In addition to her writing career, Sanchez teaches at Temple University. She was the Temple's first Presidential Fellow and serves as chair of the women's studies department. Throughout her career, Sanchez has lectured at more than 500 colleges in the United States and has read her poetry in a number of countries including Cuba, Africa and Nicaragua.

After reading poetic accounts of her late brother's battle with AIDS and its effects on her family's relationships, Sanchez spoke of the rampant violence that was claiming the lives of many each year. In what she described as a tribute to fallen youth, Sanchez read a poem dedicated to rapper Tupac Shakur. The poem involved Sanchez's large audience with interactive chanting. Under her direction, the audience repeated the word "resist" in chorus, emphasizing the need to end violent means of addressing social problems.

Sanchez, a civil rights activist, told her audience organization and activism are effective means of addressing social ills. Citing the historical movements of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Sanchez encouraged her audience to discuss issues of race and equality.

Tarsha Proctor (sophomore-film) said Sanchez's lecture emphasized both the racial struggle and the universal struggles of being human. She said Sanchez presented the audience with a challenge of continuing the legacy of past civil rights leaders.

As an educator herself, Sanchez spoke of the need for students to help each other learn and succeed in their studies. Sitting idle in class is not an active or effective approach to learning, Sanchez said. By focusing not only on grades, but also on the comprehension of material, students can make the most of their educational experiences, she said.

"I hope you go into your classes and make people teach you," she said. "Go into those classes and demand from your professors all the information you can get."

Salenai Braswell (sophomore-elementary education and African and African-American studies) said Sanchez's performance was engaging, emotional and brought her to tears. She said Sanchez's inclusion of material about African-American history was exciting for her as a student.

"From the perspective of a young African-American female who has been taught everything like Shakespeare, to be taught something from a positive black woman is powerful," she said. "It's like sister knowledge."

The event was sponsored by African and African American Studies, Black Caucus, the Center for Women Students, the English Department, the Paul Robeson Center and University Park Allocation Committee.