UU Interest Class: Howard Thurman — The Overlooked Civil Rights Leader

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Howard Thurman has been called “The Godfather of the civil rights movement” Another historian wrote, “No Howard Thurman —no Martin Luther King Jr.” His book Jesus and the Disinherited is the classic book of the civil rights movement and was carried by Martin Luther King Jr., who was mentored by Thurman.

He authored more than 20 books, including an autobiography and was written about in ten bibliographies/books. Known as a social justice mentor, mystic, a very unorthodox theologian and philosopher, he was called a psychiatrist in the sociology of life even though he was not technically so. He was one of the great influencers of the 20th century who was listed by Life magazine as one of the 12 greatest preachers in America in the 1950s.

Robert Crosby spent the school year with him in 1953 and 1954 and was mightily influenced to this day.

Participants will be asked to purchase and read two books: Jesus and the Disinherited and The Search for Common Ground, his last book. These books can be purchased in advance through Auntie’s Bookstore (402 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201, 509-838-0206) or on Amazon.

The class will meet at Manito UMC on Wednesdays, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting October 13, 2021. Due to COVID restrictions all participants must wear a mask during class.

  • October 13: The first session will contextualize Thurman and the teacher of this course.
  • October 20: The second session will focus on Jesus and the Disinherited.
  • October 27: The third session will focus on two of his books about the Negro spiritual that mightily influenced Jesse Jackson.
  • November 3: The fourth session will focus on The Search for Common Ground.
  • An optional fifth session may be held on November 10 if desired by some in the class and the teacher.

Questions? Contact Robert Crosby at robertpcrosby@icloud.com.

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