**Review of Second Monthly Learning Colloquium

The second community learning colloquium for the College of Arts and Sciences was held in Cramton auditorium on October 29, 2009. Dr. Harris was the speaker for this event. He spoke about how technology has advance from the dawn of time to present day life now. His speech began with a detailed description of a man named Imhotep whose work dates back to 2300 B.C. Imhotep made many great achievements in various fields. He was the prime minister for the King Zoser III dynasty. He was the co-author of the first medical textbook, an architect, and engineer, and a poet. Dr. Harris spoke about how students should idolize Imhotep and follow in his footsteps.

Another topic discussed by Dr. Harris was the condition of Africa and black people. When our ancestors were taken away from their homeland, they ultimately lost their identity. They lost their name, way of life, and culture. This lost of basically everything still has an impact on black people today because we do not have anything to call our own. The ability to call something your own is a joy that no one should take for granted because it is essential aspect of the black culture that was stripped away from us many years ago. Dr. Harris revealed that despite being held in slavery for many years, African-Americans have been able to make several great accomplishments. By 1912, African-Americans held over 100 patents. Granville Woods held over 60 patents. He sued Thomas Edison for infringement on patent rights. Rufus P. Turner wrote over 45 textbooks on electronic and theory of transistors. Walter Link Hawkins developed plastic on wires. John Thompson developed legos. Garret A. Morgan developed the stop light. Louis Latimer developed carbon filaments to govern the light bulb long burning time.

Dr. Harris discussed how plant Earth underwent a continental drift that separate dthe huge landmass into various continents. A man by the name of Peter created a map called the world projection map that showed equally proportional images that were distorted. He illustrated the Pyramid of Gizah, a very important facet of Egyptian culture. Many Egyptian cultural elements have segues into American culture. The God of the Dead, Osisris, can be found on the American Dollar bill as well as the prescription symbol.

In conclusion, Dr. Harris had an engaging speech that left me with the message that I can be successful in life despite the obstacles related to being an African-American. My ancestors were able to overcome the evil forces that attempted to hold them down for so many years, and I know that if they could do it so can I. I was encouraged to learn from the achievements of my ancestors and keep in mind the great accomplishments that they have made that have shaped history of the world over the years.