Congresswoman Lectures at Finney

Black History Month Celebrated

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of the 11th congressional district of Ohio spoke at Finney Chapel Thursday as part of a series of events to celebrate Black History Month. Jones was introduced by President Nancy Dye and by the chair of the African American Studies Department, James Millette.

Before being elected to Congress in 1998, Jones served as Cuyahoga County prosecutor. She was the first African American woman to hold the position. Jones has been recognized by the NAACP, the National Association of Black Prosecutors and the Ohio Bar Association, among others. She was also named Black Professional of the Year in 1996 and Ohio Democrat of the Year in 1994. Her address at Oberlin was titled "Towards the New Millennium - Building a Community."

Jones opened by saying that although Black history is a popular topic during the month of February, it is important to remember the importance of Black history throughout the year. Jones asked the audience to "stay on the battlefield" to ensure that African American history remains accessible after Black History Month has ended. She mentioned Oberlin's involvement in the underground railroad, recounting an incident in which the town's abolitionists came together to save a man from slave catchers named John Prince.

Speaking of her years as an undergraduate student at Case Western Reserve University, Jones recalled her role in the founding of the school's African American Society in 1968, and lamented that the school is still without an African American Studies department. Describing herself as a "radical," Jones also mentioned her work on the campaign of the first African American man to become mayor of Cleveland.

Jones emphasized the importance of members of the African-American community becoming involved in the political process throughout her talk. Regarding the upcoming presidential election, Jones applauded the candidates for talking about race, which she believes is of critical importance to our nation's future. However, she asked that we "recognize the differences, celebrate the differences, and then get over it" in order for people to be able to address issues that affect all people, regardless of race.

Jones mentioned several African American political figures, including Jesse Jackson and Carol Mosley-Braun. Though she does not assert that an African American is necessarily always a better candidate, Jones remarked that having representation "raises a people." She also said that as a people, African Americans have been "disenfranchised" in various ways, including being denied the right to vote. She proceeded to say that involvement in the political process can combat the feeling of disenfranchisement.

Jones stressed the need for minorities to come together and vote. She said, "It is through the political process that you become empowered because everything that happens in this nation is a result of that process."

Finally, Jones talked of the value of participating in the census, which will be taken this year. Among the ways in which the census is used, Jones mentioned the allotment of resources and political representation. She closed with a poem by Gloria Gales entitled "And the Women Gather." Jones also entertained several questions from the audience.

The next speaker in the Black History Month series, Rev. Herbert Daughtry, will be speaking at Lord Lounge in the African Heritage House tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Building a Community: Tubbs Jones speaks in Finney to celebrate Black History Month. (photo by Brian Hodgkin)