1997 - 1998
In 1997-98, the Black Men's Forum continued to strengthen its presence within the Harvard community and took major strides in establishing a presence outside of Harvard. The year began once again with an address by Professor Cornel West '74 in Adams Upper Common Room focusing on the ideas of Brotherhood, Manhood, and Fidelity. Peter-Charles Bright '01-'02 became elected as Freshman Representative. The Forum held several intriguing discussions throughout the year, ranging in topics from the role of the Black Bourgeoisie to the perceptions of homosexual black men (a joint discussion with Spectrum). The BMF also co-sponsored the greatly anticipated affirmative action debate between Cornell West and Michael Sandel (pro-affirmative action) vs. Harvey Mansfield and Ruth Wisse (anti-affirmative action), an event which packed Sanders Theater in November 1997.

In addition, the Forum also held several mixers, including its annual gathering with Wellesley, and with groups such as the Association of Black Radcliffe Women (ABRW). The Forum also continued its tradition of energetic parties, most notably the "Ladies Night" event in November held in Adams House. The Forum also organized and held a Valentine's Day show in Pforzheimer House. The BMF also established itself symbolically, as it finalized its emblem and imprinted it on a number of sweatshirts. These sweatshirts also marked the inception of the BMF's association with the number seven (courtesy of Vice-President Keith Bernard '99).

The fourth annual Celebration of Black Women was held in April 1998 in Paine Hall. The honored speaker/Woman of the Year was Dr. Yvonne S. Thornton, Obstetrician Gynecologist/Perinatologist, and co-writer of the New York Times best-selling book turned into Cable Ace award-winning TV movie "The Ditchdigger's Daughters". Dr. Thornton's speech and awe-inspiring presentation was followed by a talent show and then an informal gathering in Loker Commons. The Jazz Show also continued in May 1998 (organized and run by the Honorable Bashir Salahuddin '98) in the dining room of Pforzheimer House. At the year's conclusion, the leadership was handed to Keith Bernard '99, President, Ian Hunt '99-'01, Vice-President, Aaron Montgomery '00, Treasurer, Shearwood "Woody" McClelland '00, Secretary,Peter-Charles Bright '01, Service Chair, Luther Williams '01, Harvard Foundation Representative, Melvin Priester '01, Discussion Chair, Jaime A. Williams '01, Social Chair, and co-Historians Cam Mason '01 and Brandon Walston '01.

Submitted by
Woody McClelland '00
BMF Secretary 97-98
BMF President 1999-2000