Ethnic Leaders Debate Groups' Campus Roles

Representatives of six College racial and ethnic organizations discussed last night the roles of their various groups and how to improve and maintain coalitions between them.

The forum, sponsored by the Freshman Black Table, took place in Emerson Hall before an audience of approximately 75 students. The Black Student Association, Asian-American Association, Raza, Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel, Caribbean Club and La Organizacion Boricual de Estudiantes Harvard-Radcliffe participated.

The event, which opened with a brief description of each participating organization by its representative, centered on the need for closer relations between the minority groups. Alvin L. Bragg '95, president of the Table, moderated the discussion.

"Unfortunately it seems that most coalitions come about because of a crisis," said Veronica Rosales '94, president of Raza. "Even if there is no crisis, we have to realize that being together is a pressing concern."

The representatives said the College's present method of funding organizations' events fosters "competition," not closeness.

The recent Unity Jam, co-sponsored by four of the participating groups, and the coalition formed to protest a potential appearance by Republican presidential candidate David Duke were frequently cited as examples of cooperation.

One of the most-discussed questions from the audience centered around the issue of Crimson coverage of minority issues.

Several participants said The Crimson's coverage is inaccurate and incendiary.

Zaheer R. Ali '94, vice president of the Black Students Association, said The Crimson has done "selective reporting" on events his organization has sponsored, covering only the controversial ones.

Panelists also responded to a question on self-segregation. Some representatives said minority students who choose to socialize with those of the same racial and ethnic background are no different from other undergraduates.

"I don't think what we do is any different from any other group. Jocks sit together; artists sit together. It just so happens, becuase of our skin colors, we arethe first to be singled out," said Ali.

Yet, some representatives said a problem mightexist if other students are uncomfortableapproaching a table dominated by one ethnic group.

"Is it true people are afraid to come eat withus? If it is, we have a problem," said Shai A.Held '94

Yet, some representatives said a problem mightexist if other students are uncomfortableapproaching a table dominated by one ethnic group.

"Is it true people are afraid to come eat withus? If it is, we have a problem," said Shai A.Held '94