The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground (HTC) has long been a vibrant hub for our campus community, bringing students from across the University together to exchange ideas and explore differences. The HTC had recently moved to a bigger, more centrally located space at historic 808 Commonwealth Avenue, formerly known as the Fuller Cadillac Building. When the pandemic struck, it had to close its doors.

Many of the HTC’s new spaces were repurposed, with the 180-seat event venue doubling as a classroom. One of its most popular events, Coffee & Conversation, quickly went virtual, as did the book club. Its podcast has become a vital way to stay connected. And Charcoal magazine, a publication supported by the center that creates space for student artists of color to find community, continued to publish online.

As our vibrant residential campus regains some normalcy, the HTC resumes its role as a place where people meet, discuss, debate, and connect. But the HTC has always been more of a philosophical gathering place than a brick-and-mortar one.

Just ask Amos Mwaura (CAS’22), an HTC student ambassador and coordinator for Brothers United, a fellowship program for BU’s men of color based at the center. Mwaura leads discussions that explore the myriad experiences of underrepresented male students. “We have many centers at BU,” the biology major says. “The Fitness & Recreation Center is a place to strengthen the body. The Center for Career Development is a place to strengthen one’s occupational aspirations. The Howard Thurman Center is a place to strengthen the soul.”