Price discussed his experiences at the College. He noted that what has helped him most during his career is the core curriculum that he had to study while at the College.
Price said he would like to see the College re-instate the core curriculum. "Having a school ... forcing students to take classes from different areas should be an important aspect of the College," he said. Price said that every discipline, even if not pursued as a profession later in life, is a vital component of the knowledge one needs to successfully master the challenges of today's world.
"I hope there will be a vigorous discussion about the education [at the College]," he said. "It is important that Amherst is making sure that all students are grounded in all domains necessary [in life beyond college]."
Price then turned his lecture toward the current challenges blacks face on a daily basis. Price praised the accomplishments brought about by affirmative action. "Affirmative action profoundly changed America for the good, and there are very few glass ceilings yet to be smashed," he said.
Price warned blacks against complacency. He noted the need for the black community to lift itself up by encouraging youth to excel academically. According to Price, education is the key to success.
Price described an encounter with a hip-hop artist during a radio show, in which the artist used slang while on the air, but in off-air discussion, he had used much more sophisticated and educated vocabulary. "This sends children the wrong message," said Price. "We must take care that there's no ambivalence about doing well in school. We must tell children that gangster life is no good."
Price recounted the illustrious history of battles African-Americans have fought and won. "The nineteenth century was the freedom revolution, when our goal was to achieve freedom from slavery," Price said. "In the twentieth century, we fought to achieve equal status under the law."
Price pronounced the need for the black community to change its strategy. "In the 21st century we must elevate folks who are still mired in poverty. We must focus on development and education," he said. "We must eradicate the gap that separates us from the mainstream."
Tim Jones '04 was impressed by the lecture. "Price gave an inspiring talk that I believe will lead alumni, students and administration to attempt to alleviate the problems [Price] mentioned," Jones said. "This weekend has shown all of us what great role models we have and what legacy we follow."
Desmond Lynch '75 agreed with Price's analysis of the African-American condition. "I think he's on target," said Lynch. "It's an excellent focal point to where the country, society, and the College are going. This concept [of self-mobilization and development] has been applied successfully across cultures and societies."