Artificial breasts of all shapes and colors with lumps were passed out Thursday night to help women learn to give themselves mammograms. University community members packed the African American Cultural Center to discuss prevalent issues in women’s health in five general categories – breast cancer, depression, rape, sexual issues and nutrition. The program included a poem reading and a panel discussion consisting of three wellness education coordinators from the Student Health Center – Ashley Granger, Hope McPhatter and Vanessa Richard – and Nicole Gillum from the Baton Rouge Rape Crisis Center. Andrea Fowler, program moderator and Bridge program team leader, initiated the discussion by posing “common” questions ranging from healthy eating on a budget to the “Down Low crisis” and its contribution to the rise in AIDS among women. Fowler then turned over the questioning to audience members who opened up and asked personal questions after moments of reluctance.
“The question and answer part [was the best part of the program] because it was interactive and gave the audience a chance to ask what was on their mind,” said Terrance Brown, chemistry senior. Although women health issues dominated the night, men in attendance did not feel left out. “[The program] made me more aware of how women feel when I approach them a certain way – it put me in their shoes,” said Wynord Thomas Jr., architecture junior. The program, part of the University’s celebration of Black History Month, was created as a bridge connecting Black History Month with Women’s Month coming in March. Fowler said the Black History Month Committee wanted this year’s celebration to focus on multiculturalism. “Tonight’s program was not just on black women but women in general,” Fowler said. Committee members said they chose the topic of women’s health because it affects all people and is an important issue to college students that sometimes is overlooked. “This is something I’ve been waiting for for awhile,” said Student Government President Cassie Alsfeld. Alsfeld said this issue affects all people regardless of race or sexual preference. Alsfeld said women issues is a topic she has been highly involved in since her time at the University and more specifically in the Student Senate. Alsfeld said she does not think discussions such as this one happen often enough. “The educational aspect of it was priceless,” Alsfeld said. Alsfeld said it is important to show different minority groups can come together to address issues that affect everyone.
—-Contact Allen Womble at [email protected]