The Central State University chapter of Iota Phi Theta Inc. sponsored a community forum, Let’s talk about sex, Nov. 5, 2019, in the University Center. “This event is to gain awareness of sexual abuse and to teach students what to do if they are involved,” said Ronald Axson, a member of the fraternity and organizer of the event.
Fraternity members invited people in the audience to share their stories of abuse. Many students spoke about their sexual encounters with students on campus. There were laughs and tears as students spoke.
Freshman Kemoni Nowlin said that event opened her eyes to the reality of abuse and made her reconsider some of her past experiences. Nowlin said that some those experiences -- which she considered romantic at the time -- may have been abuse. “I didn’t think of it in this way,” she said. “I really learned a lot.”
Organizers spoke to students about the concept of “consent” and how to give it. They also urged anyone who is struggling with sexual abuse to go to campus police or, if they don’t feel comfortable doing that, to speak to a Greek member. Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Inc. sorority also participated in the event.