1999 - 2000
The 1999 - 2000 school year brought the Black Men's Forum further out into the public spotlight by holding several large events. Under the leadership of the Honorable Sherwood "Woody" McClelland '00 and Peter-Charles Bright '01 we were able to plan out many of our events during the summer, leaving us freer during the year to foster brotherhood.

On November 22nd, we brought the Rev. Al Sharpton to Lowell Lecture Hall where he addressed issues ranging from racial profiling to free speech to his famous hair-do. The turnout was strong, even though there were two other international political figures speaking that same night. We also continued with our annual Celebration of Black Women. To make amends for having to cancel last year's celebration, we held two this year. "Part One" was held on December 3rd where we honored the poet Jessica Care Moore as our Woman of the Year. The Celebration was held in Eliot dining hall and consisted of a semi-formal banquet catered by Bob the Chef's. At the banquet, Jessica Care Moore blessed us by performing some of her poetry, and then called on some of the women in attendance to read their own poetry. It was an incredibly powerful evening, as we received comments from those in attendance that it was "the highlight of [their] college career." Not ones to rest on our laurels, we then held "Part Two" on May 7th. This celebration was in the more traditional manner of a talent portion followed by an address by the Women of the Year: Dr. Karen Drake. With these three large events, the Forum maintained its reputation as a group that knows how to do things right.

Along with these events, The Black Men's Forum also remained active in the general goings-on of the year. For instance, we stood behind John Burton and the Driskell-Burton team in their being elected as the first all-Black ticket for UC leadership. During the impeachment trials, Forum members led in the protests and kept a detailed account of the proceedings to ensure everyone was properly informed. Forum members also led the way in protesting the verdict of the Amadou Diallo shooting that took place in New York.

Unfortunately, with all of the public deeds that were being done, the internal side of the organization got shafted slightly. Meetings were held bi-weekly in Emerson 305, a dues-payers-only list was created for internal usage, and Justin Alexander '03 was elected as Freshmen Rep. However the year passed by without the creation of a new shirt, and without any chill events worth mentioning. Even so, the membership remained strong and committed, a testament to the strength and vitality of The Forum. This year also marked an increase in the use of the web-site.

By the end of the year, The Black Men's Forum had expanded it's membership and it's image (if not it's budget). Elections were held at the end of the year and the Forum looks to be in good hands for next year as Jaime Williams '01 will take over as President. The rest of next year's board includes Isaac Weiler '02 as Vice-President, Kenny Ebie '01 as Secretary, Harrell Conner '02 as Brotherhood Chair, Justin Alexander '03 as Treasurer, Daryk Pengelly '03 as Social Chair, and D.K. Osseo-Asare '02 as Historian.

Submitted by
Isaac Weiler '02
BMF Secretary 1999-2000