Temple prof tells students to rediscover Afrocentricity

In a speech last night in the W.E.B. DuBois College House, Temple University Professor Molefi Asante explained to over sixty students how the U.S. educational system ignores blacks. The talk, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, was one of the events scheduled on campus as part of Black History Month. Without prepared notes, Asante, chairperson of Temple's Afro-American studies department, told the students how Afrocentricity -- blacks drawing on their culture -- has affected the black artistic community. Wearing a traditional Agbada, an African form of dress, Asante enthusiastically told the group that they must find their roots on their own, claiming that the U.S. educational system emphasizes white history and dislocates blacks. "The arrogance of ignorance is the imposition of the European view of the world as if it were universal," Asante said. Asante also stressed the need for blacks and whites to regard Egyptian history as ancient black history. He added black traditions are currently regarded only as "myths." "Only the white people have philosophy," Asante said. Asante said many beliefs about Africans were imposed by the U.S.'s European-influenced educational system. "I've been to Africa seventeen times and I've never met anyone who said 'Hello, I'm a negro,' " Asante said. Asante said in order for black artists to reach their potential, they must study their culture. He said they should also use their knowledge of other cultures to enhance their own. "It doesn't mean you are closed off from other traditions," Asante said. College senior Peaches Milton, co-chair of AKA's cultural committee, said she was excited about the large turnout to the program. "His speech was extremely enlightening," she said. Black Student League President Jessica Dixon, who also attended the event, said black students have to educate themselves about their history because the U.S. education system does not include blacks. "We have to go outside those sources and teach ourselves," Dixon said.

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