Meeting Overview – February 3rd, 2006 The Band of Brothers met on Friday February 3rd, 2006. The meeting began at 2:30pm and was held in room 244 of the Memorial Union. 11 brothers were in attendance and each of them was actively engaged in the discussion. Attendees: • Craig Barton • Vernon Hall • Dr. Gary Michael Tartakov • Neil Hall • Marcus Alexander • Pierre Dunbar • Thurston Dixon • Vomero Ikoba • Selorm Atiedu • Eli Branch • Obioma Ohia At the beginning of the discussion brothers expressed their views towards the recent news in the Iowa State Daily. African American football players showed up again as Breaking News on the front page of ISU Daily. There was also a caricature showing a Black Football shooting himself in the foot. We addressed the effects of this article on the Black community and possible reasons for the consistent exposure and occurrence of these events. The brothers considered media and other specific cultural influences as the foundation for such corrupt behavior and exposure. We examined an article speaking against Black Entertainment Television which primarily reported that the station airs nothing but stereotypes and negative influences while excluding educational and intellectual inspiration. Another major topic we touched on was the reason for it being easier to identify Black rappers and basketball players than to name prominent black leaders of today’s society. We examined the environments that historic leaders emerged from and concluded that the problems that existed in the past were more apparent and perceptible than those of today. This reasoning illustrates that it is difficult for leaders of this age to emerge and confront the injustices and flaws of society. There was difficulty arriving at a solid conclusion for any of the issues, however through discussion, we improved our awareness and understanding. *********************************************************************** The next meeting is scheduled for February 17th, 2006 at 3:00pm. The room location will be announced in the reminder email. We will continue our discussion from the last meeting and also question the meaning of Black Love. Food will be provided. *********************************************************************** Thank you, Craig Barton Band of Brothers Coordinator