A keynote address to mark the commencement of Black History Month was received with some disappointment by members of the Brandeis Black Student Organization (BBSO), who gathered with many others on Thursday evening in the Napoli Trophy Room of the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center.David Muhammad, a registered member of the Nation of Islam delivered a 30-minute speech, entitled "How great is our African history?" However, some BBSO members disagreed with Muhammad's message, adding that it did not completely reflect the month's theme, "Blackness: Truth unto its innermost parts," or the opinions of the entire club.

"We want to let everyone know the views expressed by him were not ours," BBSO's Director of Political Affairs Darnisa Amante '06 said.

Muhammad, traveling from New York City, introduced his lecture by describing the African-American's place in modern day life.

"We are living in a nation and society that has never really appreciated the African man and African woman," Muhammad said. "We are living in a nation and society that has never really accepted the African man and African woman."

Muhammad continued to explain that the government is at fault for not appealing to the interests of black citizens.

"We're living in a government that in many ways undermines the African man and woman," Muhammad said. "It has never made laws that served the development and prosperity of the African man and woman."

Not until he became a registered member of the Nation of Islam did Muhammad claim he understood the origin of God and why things happened the way they did.

"I could never understand how God allows African people to suffer, and allows others to live so well," Muhammad said.

With references to ancient and modern African-American history, including astronomy, medicine, government, slavery and archaeology, Muhammad challenged the historical stereotype "about black people being an in inferior race."

Muhammad also addressed more modern-day problems like crime rates among African-Americans.

"Why do so many Black people turn to crime and can't find an alternative?" Muhammad said. "Because of racism and culture and greed and the idea that 'I've got mine, you've got yours.'"

According to BBSO Co-President Alana Hamlett '06, even though Muhammad's views did not reflect that of the entire club's, the rest of the evening served as a good introduction to Black History Month.

"The goal of opening ceremonies was to mark the beginning of Black History Month and present to the campus the events that BBSO is planning for the month...this year...we are not only looking to educate but also to enjoy our culture and let our talents and the experiences that we bring to this campus shine through," Hamlett said.

Hamlett continued to explain that the club's intention of opening ceremonies was to also serve as an educational experience.

"We are focusing on the realizations and truths that black people face both here at Brandeis and in the world," Hamlett said. "We hope to educate and enlighten our community to both the uniqueness and differences of the black culture and people."

Amante added that the evening also served as an open forum for others to share their thoughts.

"Our goal was to discuss history, and let the campus know about African-Americans," Amante said. "Particularly at Brandeis, where we hope to foster a lot of diversity, we want to make sure everyone's voice is heard."

BBSO member Nicole Amarteifio '04 also expressed that the "night was supposed to be about healing" from last semester, referring to the Dusty Baker incident in the Justice and the fliers posted throughout the campus by Benjamin 'Min' Moldover '07 mocking the "one thought at a time" campaign headed by Student Union and Assistant Dean of Student Life Rev. Nathaniel Mays.

As part of BBSO's activities for Black History Month, the club plans to host a cultural show on Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shapiro Campus Center Theatre and a closing ceremony on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at Sherman Function Hall.