— SPIRIT

Vol.111 No.4 York College, Jam.N.Y. Apr-May 7

NOILVOITENd GTHOM GHYIHL V cINIZVOVW LIdlds



SPIRIT MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL BOARD

FRANK TUCKER
Editor in Chief

WILLIAM T. ATKINSON
Art Editor

ANTOINETTE BYAM
News Editor

SPAUN R. PEACE

Business Manager

MEADE BARRINGTON
Copy Editor

RENEE BRANCH

Executive Secretary

SPIRIT STAFF LISTING

Antonio Belizaiu, Yvonne Brown, Roosevelt Bryant, Nece
Bryson, Karen Best, Robert Byrd, Winston Callwood, Gail
Cruise, Donna Dickson, Rosetta Grandison, Brenda Hargrove,
Radine Jennings, Danny Leakes, Jay Rice, Geneva Scott,
Donald Thomas, Howard Walters, Diane Younger, Nina
Jackson, Velma Reeves, Madeline Roach, Judith Brown.

SPIRIT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Teddy DuBose
Chairman

EDITORIAL

YORKBORO
ANOTHER STEP BACKWARD
by Frank Tucker

Keeping in line with the racist regression of
the 70's, York College has been fingered for de-
struction. Chancellor Kibbee, in his February 23rd
proposal has called for the removal of York’s sen-
ior status by reducing it to a two year community
college.

It has become increasingly clear to the Third
World community in New York City that the
fiscal crisis has become the current disguise for
our 400 year old enemy—American racism.

York College has had a devastating impact on
the Jamaica community. It has uprooted residents
and forced them from their homes. As well as
closing off streets and closing down businesses
We have accepted these inconveniences in ex
change for a four year quality institution of highe:
learning. This was a major part of the program to
“redevelop” or uplift our community. York is
actually the cornerstone of Jamaica “redevelop
ment.” Removing the cornerstone would bring
about the collapse of a dream for a brighter day.

York has brought many services to its com
munity residents. Our Social Work, Allied
Health, Education and other such departments
supply many of the needed services to the local
community and to the massive city at large. All
of these are services which accompany four year
baccalaureate programs. A two year institution
would not include these quality services in its
curriculum.

We have united and showed our strength.
Through letter writing campaigns, lengthy meet-
ings and constructive rallying, we have let Mr.
Kibbee know that we will not sit back and allow
the destruction of our college and our com-
munity.

As a result of our efforts, Mr. Kibbee’s pro-
posal is being reconsidered. However, the fight
does not stop here. We must not allow the City’s
financial crisis to be the 1976 shield for racism.

Fal

(Ee

SOLIDARITY



SPIRIT MAGAZINE

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Atlanta, Georgia 30314
March 12, 1976
To the Editor:

The attempted assissination of York College
is appalling to me. The battle which occured in
the early 1970s to establish York College in Ja-
maica is still, obviously, being waged. No one
presently concerned with York College should
naively think that the issues surrounding our
school are new. These issues, the existence of
York in Jamaica rather than Fort Totten, the
budget crises of the past several years, are all a
part of a concerted effort to destroy York College.
Che power structure (which may include some
clements in York College’s administration), is still
anxious to deny us the educational mechanism for
uplift. Blacks, Puerto Ricans, Haitians, and poor
white folk must realize that this is the crucial is
sue to be dealt with.

My concern for York College is the same as
everyone else’s. However, because I am no longer
there, my concern is intermingled with elements
of nostalgia and memories. The curriculum which
was offered to me there can be favorably com-
pared to any in the country. The faculty is of a
high quality and the nurture and assistance which
I received as a participant in the SEEK program
is of immeasurable worth to me. If we could
imagine York College not existing then I would
never have had the opportunity to study and so-
journ in West Africa under the auspices of one
of York’s sister schools. I would never have ac
quired an indelible understanding of institutional
politics and racism. If York College did not exist
then I would have missed sitting at the feet of
Dr. Hilda O. Fortune, who provided me with an
excellent foundation in sociology and group lead-
ership skills. The sociology and political science
departments of York College helped to open my
eyes to academic and practical knowledge which
will last for my entire professional life.

It is truly difficult for me to imagine York
College not existing. It is even more difficult for
me to imagine York College being destroyed now.
The future would be catastrophically altered for
thousands, resident of Jamaica and New York
City overall, who seek to reach their fullest po-

tential as intelligent, productive human beings.

Again, I must reiterate that the real issue is
not only budget deficiencies, but elitist elements
in the university and governmental structure who
are determined to deny the common man and
woman the chance to live at his or her highest
level. It is my fervent hope and prayer that those
of you who are waging this most crucial battle
for the preservation of York College will fight in-
telligently, diligently, and with a courage and
faith inextinguishable by those who would have
us back in the dark ages of ignorance and mental
and physical slavery.

I am aware of the letter writing campaign
being waged to demand the Governor's and legis-
lative support. I shall forward letters of protest
against the proposed debilitating plan for York
College.

To new students at York whom I have not
had the pleasure of protesting and working with;
to the old students with whom a memorable part
of my life was spent; to faculty and staff who are
determined to see quality collegiate life exist: I
implore you to fight hard and long, unflinchingly
in the face of those who seem powerful and om-
nipotent. I implore you to ignore feelings of pow-
erlessness. Power comes from within. And if that
power collectively is exerted with faith in your-
selves and the goodness of your cause, you shall
see victory.

May God's blessings be with you.

Sincerely,
Hermon Darden

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