Thinking of Donald T. L. Byrd, EdD;
December 9, 1932-February 4, 2013
In the many conversations I had with Dr. Donald Byrd since 1987, from Oberlin College, Ohio to Delaware State University, In spite of...was a favorite saying of his in regard to what he always wanted to do for his people. As we would discuss African and African American history—which was 80% of our talks—we would consider the many ways in which we—really he--could ‘better’ the conditions Africans around the world. Many times we discussed the problems we created for ourselves, and it was in those moments that he would say, "…but we got to help, in spite of!" Over the next few minutes in the conversation, we repeat in spite of a few times and laugh about it….
Over time, I have come to use the phrase in almost all my dealings on campus. The massive task of teaching students in these United States has always involved, for me, a process whereby one must, to put it bluntly, ‘clear the cobwebs’ of miseducation and misinformation from the minds of students before unveiling a much more fuller version of how things came to be. How does one ever finish this task?!
For most of the students, while all this may have been new to them, they nonetheless go about their daily routines taking the information in as part of the ritual of going to class and later cramming for some test. They would regurgitate back what they think they have heard and read, and that would be the end of it. An exercise in ‘education’: one goes to class, takes in what is dished out, and replicates and regurgitates in the exam.
For a very small number of students, however, the new twist to what they know--or did not know--the new knowledge, gives them a new sense of empowerment. They will ask a million questions, among which will be the most profound of all: why did it happen? And why have we not done anything about it? They almost always forget that all they are reading is clearly the answer to why nobody did anything about it! Perhaps it is a reaction to their own sense of inadequacy as they contemplate what may need to be done: radically changing the way things are! What would it mean for them? An attitude change on the surface or a true paradigm shift? A true mental revolution?
‘In Spite Of …’ the obstacles, I’d suggest to them certain basic things thy must do: read such and such, because in order to do what you think you need to do, you need more ‘information’, more enlightenment and continued edification. And the only way to do it is to study; no shortcuts! And I'll say, don't forget: reading is the best way to knowledge! Read everything...and perhaps we can then change the world.
In Spite of...
© Akwasi Osei, 2014.
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