Q&A with Atlanta University Alum, International Consultant Jerry Henderson

I wish to thank my friend Jarrett Carter and the HBCU Digest Family for the invitation and opportunity to share information and thoughts with the HBCU Digest readership and all others!!  It is with particular pride that I submit this article on this day, my grand daughter Raelyn Amariah’s first birthday (October 19^th).

Without any doubt or question, my academic exposure at Atlanta University (now Clark-Atlanta University), Department of Political Science, had a tremendous impact on me, my political development and awareness.  My academic and thesis advisor was Dr. Mack Henry Jones, a nationally and internationally recognized scholar (theory and methods, international relations).  Three things in particular positively impacted my personal and professional life:

• Some of the best academic minds – faculty and students – were assembled for intense theoretical and practical academic exercises and challenges;

• “Government and Politics of Modern Africa” was one of the four sub-fields of academic studies I sought to engage; and

• In addition to classroom study, academic challenges, debates and discussions, the Political Science Department’s Reading Room was known as the place where students from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East would start gathering daily at 10 PM, 11 PM and onwards and debate, discuss, critique and ‘solve 90% of the political, social and economic challenges of the world – then and there.’  These exercises would often last until daylight.  Some of us – students/activist/scholars were also engaged in grassroots struggles in Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina in particular.

HBCU’s have played a very positive and productive role with respect to social and cultural benefits and impact relative to Black America in particular and America in general.  In the context of the tight economic and global competitive marketplace – HBCUs should step up, be much more aggressive and lead the way in creating opportunities for the constituents of these institutions who provide support: parents, guardians, students and the community at large.

From a business perspective, there is a rich history and track record that HBCU’s can easily claim – a history and track record that has been of much value to HBCUs very existence.  Over the past several years in particular, efforts have been made to close and/or consolidate HBCUs – in particular in Georgia, Mississippi and Texas.  In order to reverse this trend, HBCUs, working in close collaboration with each other, the Black community, and friends in the general population – an aggressive and spirited struggle (push back) for survival and sustainability must be waged.  There is no better time than the present to do so.

Several months ago, I was invited by the United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) to serve as a Team Leader/Operations Office with its Peace Keeping Mission, Electoral Assistance Division with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).  This Mission is authorized by a United Nations Security Council Resolution.  The UN is called upon to provide technical, managerial, administrative, logistical and other types of support relative to the upcoming referendum which is scheduled for January 9, 2011.  It is indeed an honour and privilege be recognized, have an opportunity to work with the UN, the people of Sudan and individuals from many other countries, and make a difference in the lives of people.

1. Be aware of the benefits and risks involved working the international community (risks increased after 9/11);
2. Be aware of the risk of infectious diseases in certain countries and regions
3. Be sensitive;
4. Develop particular/specific skills and knowledge;
5. Study and understand languages, geography, information technology, logistics, political science, economics, foreign affairs, etc.;
6. Respect all others – religions, customs, cultures, etc;
7. Be prepared for being away for your family for weeks, months and/or years at a time; and
8. Be prepared to live in rugged living conditions.