By Michael Foster-Sanders

TR students learned about black empowerment from a University of Texas at Arlington professor Feb. 1

Jason Shelton, director of African American Studies, discussed the ideologies of black nationalism vs. black integration throughout history and what black leaders took which stance from the 1820s until present-day.

‘‘These events are important because they’re designed to educate people and potentially inspire people to take action in our world,” he said. “Action as you’re about to write a paper, right? That’s action you’re thinking.’’

Black leaders such as Martin Delany, Marcus Garvey and Louis Farrakhan are examples of nationalists.

“Black nationalism started due to some African-Americans feeling that racism is ingrained into the foundation America was built on. And the only way black people will truly see independence is going back to the homeland of Africa or building an independent nation within America,” Shelton said.

Black integrationists such as Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois and Jesse Jackson believe America gets more right than wrong when it comes to African-American people. Black people must work along with other races to achieve prosperity. Then, equality will take place, Shelton said.

“These debates are needed, so critical thinking can occur to ask the questions that are needed for African-American progression in America,” he said. “As I was talking to my class just the other day, it was very clear that your thoughts are often times connected to your actions and your behaviors. So standing in front of these events or participating in these kinds of events whether I’m in it or whoever else, they inspire you and I.”