"Editorial- Why Do I Stay Here Indeed?"

Audio: Reverend Dr. Faith Allen reading her editorial. Recorded for the Bethel Black History Podcast in Fall of 2023.

Editorial- Why Do I Stay Here Indeed?

During my three rears at Bethel, I have several times been confronted with the question, “Why did you come here?” I feel that that is a question I can answer rather easily. The question I find the hardest to answer is, “Why do you stay?”

The reason why I stay at Bethel, and I don’t mean to sound conceited, is to make it better. Without us coming to Bethel, there would be no other way to show how much Blacks have to offer in the makings of the world, and yes, in the makings of Bethel College.

There are many injustices on this campus concerning Blacks, and when one complains about them, the question asked is, “If you don’t like it, then why don’t you leave?” No, I’m not going to leave, because that makes it too easy for you (Bethel). In other words, you are saying if there is a problem, get rid of it rather than deal with it.

Sometimes I get the feeling that some people on this campus think we don’t belong here and my answer to that is, we have just as much right to be here as anyone else.

Why do I stay here indeed? I have to. This place needs me.

--Faith Allen

Assistant Editor

Minority Cultural Director