Essay 1231

Getting Brownie Points With a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• A committee at Brown University recommended the institution atone for its 18th-century ties to slavery by creating a center for study of slavery and boosting recruitment efforts for minority students. The report stated, “We cannot change the past. But an institution can hold itself accountable for the past, accepting its burdens and responsibilities along with its benefits and privileges. … In the present instance this means acknowledging and taking responsibility for Brown’s part in grievous crimes.” The university should also consider changing its name from Brown to Black. (Click on the essay title for more details.)

• A recent report indicated that immigrants living in the U.S. will send $45 billion to family members in Latin America this year, up from $2 billion in 1980. Actually, folks are probably only sending about $5 billion, with $40 billion added through Western Union fees.