President of Morehouse Addresses Homophobia

Robert Franklin was named the 10th President of Morehouse College about two years ago. Morehouse is an all-male, predominantly African-American, Historically Black College in Atlanta, Georgia. Morehouse is also known in Black LGBT circles for its virulently homophobic atmosphere. MadProfessah has noted this subject before.

However, President Franklin seems to be taking another tack:

"As an all-male institution with the explicit mission of educating men with disciplined minds," said Franklin, "the great challenge of this moment in history is our diversity of sexual orientation."

"Why don't we," he asked the students, "use this opportunity to model something our community needs?"

"Straight men," Franklin said, "should learn more about the outlooks and contributions of gay men. Read a book by a gay author. Have an intelligent conversation with a gay neighbor." Franklin reminded the Morehouse students: "At a time when it was truly scandalous to have homosexual friends or associates, Dr. King looked to Bayard Rustin, a black gay man, as a trusted adviser. And, Malcolm X regarded James Baldwin, a black gay man, as a brilliant chronicler of the black experience."

"To my straight brothers," he said, "diversity at Morehouse is an opportunity that can enrich your education if you are courageous enough to seize the opportunity. We cannot force you, but we invite you to learn from your environment."

Hat/tip to Craig Hickman.