A.K.A. Boosts Male Ego

Over the past months, there has been an intense debate within the SUNY Old Westbury community regarding the quality of student programming. The Nu Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc decided to counter the argument by hosting the EGO Series. Enhancing Gentlement with Opportunties (EGO) was a three night event that discussed issues affecting African-American and Latino men and alternatives these men can use to succeed.

"Check My Swagg," the first installment of the Ego series, featured African-American and Latino male panelists who discussed different stereotypes and how they affect the lifestyles of African-American and Latino men. "So Ambitious," the second installment of the Ego series, featured the film "A Game" and two guest speakers from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. "A Game," a film directed by Mario Van Peebles, discussed life for minority men and how they can overcome obstacles they may encounter. 

Many different astounding facts and statistics were revealed in "A Game." The notion that third and fourth grade reading scores will determine the amount of prisons built over a twenty year time span is one of the most astonishing facts expressed in the film. Both of the guest speakers were college educated minority men who spoke of the importance of an education, how easy it is to lose sight of one's goals and aspirations, and how difficult it is for one to recover after falling off track.

"A Star is Born," the final installment of the Ego series, featured Darren Ferguson, who is the current Assistant to Dean of Students here at SUNY Old Westbury and also a pastor. Ferguson told the inspirational and extremely uplifting story of how he beat the odds and became the person he is today.

Samantha Williams, a freshmen, reported that "all of the information was useful and would've broadened our knowledge because we definitely have more room for improvement as a people. I just wish more people would have attended."

Although the series was geared towards African-American and Latino men, there was a lack of male attendance throughout the entire series. Tinaya Brown, President of the Nu Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, believes that "people are more willing to attend sex programs than educationally based programs."

According to Krystal Garner, a member of the Nu Psi chapter, Enhancing Gentlemen with Opportunities was an experiment to see how the students of SUNY Old Westbury would react. Garner also expressed great interest in a male workshop that Darren Ferguson is in the process of creating.