The Howard Thurman Center provides an interactive space and innovative programs where students from diverse social networks can connect. Located on the lower level of BU’s student union, our work is based on the common ground philosophy of Dr. Thurman.
HTC Experience
We’ve done it again! Check out this student produced vid about the HTC. Let us know what you think!
Social Justice on our Minds
I thought a lot this break about the COMMUNITY we’ve built at the Howard Thurman Center. I thought about the people, IDEAS and meaningful shared experiences that have become the hallmark of life at the HTC. I thought about the CONNECTIONS that have been made here between students of various backgrounds, experiences, cultures and religions, and students with shared PASSIONS and interests. It seems that the Howard Thurman Center has become a point of connection. Not a community center, but a “center of community.” It has become a CROSSROADS where any member of this university can connect with another.
But what is community without a SENSE OF PURPOSE? Students at this year’s MLK commemoration spoke of the need for this generation to stand up and speak out on issues of SOCIAL JUSTICE and HUMAN RIGHTS. They echoed Dr. King’s insistence on “the fierce urgency of now,” understanding that one more day without justice is a day too long. Their words coalesced with those of MLK, Edgar Helms, and Anna Howard Shaw, forming a MISSION STATEMENT for this great university; one in which students combine professional pursuits with personal passions and an unquenchable desire for justice. One in which ACTIVISM IS THE STANDARD.
Our team has been INSPIRED by those words. We are committed to making our space an action-oriented, results-focused center, concerned with issues of human rights and social justice. Much of that work has already begun through our COUNCIL FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP, which serves as an incubator for students with unique, sustainable and replicable ideas that address social ills. This semester, we’ll continue to explore ways to infuse messages of justice through programs like our book club and tea club, TEDxBU, Family History Project and our Culture Shock blog.
We look forward to COLLABORATING with any individual or organization committed to improving our world. We’ll work with you to develop programs that inspire our community toward ACTION. Our event space and conference rooms are available to you as INCUBATORS for activist thought and STAGING AREAS for activist endeavors. If you’d like to SHARE AN IDEA, collaborate with us, or connect with other likeminded individuals, email me at raul@bu.edu so we can set a meeting and get the conversation started. We’re ready when you are.
Let’s do this.
Raul Fernandez
Assistant Director, Howard Thurman Center at Boston University
The Center – Episode 1, “Raul”
What’s life like at the HTC? Check out the first in our series of mockumentary webisodes:
BU Culture Shock Blog
- Envy and Evolution May 23, 2012 Ryan Brister
- The Harmonica is a Harsh Mistress May 22, 2012 Adam DiBattista
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