Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity puts women first

Chris McCarty

Twelve men responded to questions and concerns posed by African-American women Monday.

About 55 people attended the social gathering in the Bovee University Center Lake Michigan Room to honor African-American women.

“This is women’s day. You just have to be able to answer to them, whatever questions come,” said Travis Foster, Detroit senior.

Hosted by Phi Beta Sigma social fraternity, “Sisters, We’re Sorry” was a discussion of the ways African-American women and men relate to each other.

“This is a celebration of black women. We want to know what we can do to celebrate women on a daily basis,” said Foster, Phi Beta Sigma publicity director.

A show of hands determined almost everyone in the room was raised by single, African-American women.

The audience talked about the women in their lives, who they admire for their strength.

“My mother protected me from negative influences,” said Antoine Safford, Detroit senior. “I just want to thank my mother for being a strong woman.”

Foster said the most influential woman in his life was his grandmother.

“My grandmother raised me; she took care of me my whole life. She was a 65-year-old woman stuck with a 14-year-old brother,” he said. “Tonight is a celebration of women like her.”

Niles junior Lynn Wesby said everyone in the room should be proud of the black women in their lives because they have shaped who the attendees are today.

“You shouldn’t be ashamed of the black women who raised you. Look where you’re at now. You’re in college at Central, a predominantly white university,” she said. “You’re successful because of the women behind you.”

Respect should be something all women get, Wesby said.

“Remember a black woman has a name. My name ain’t baby,” she said. “Find out what’s in her head not what’s on her chest.”

Another topic of discussion was the way African-American men seem to be intimidated by African-American women who make more money or are better educated.

“Men being intimidated by women has to do with how we grew up,” said Detroit senior James Day, Phi Beta Sigma treasurer. “Men have to see that it is OK for women to be successful.”

Safford said dating a successful woman makes it difficult to feel like a man.

“When you have a woman that makes more or equal (money) to you, it’s hard to wine and dine her,” he said.

Wesby offered a woman’s perspective.

“It goes back to the mentality that the male is the head of the household,” she said. “A successful woman can leave any time her needs aren’t being met. You’ve got to work for a woman with higher status.”

She said she enjoyed attending the event and was proud of the fraternity’s work.

Since all the questions were directed at the males in the room, Wesby said it took courage to put on the program.

“It was very well put together; very inspirational,” she said. “There is a lot people could take away from the program.”