Howard Thurman, an African-American civil rights leader during the 20th century is often overlooked by many people. He met with Gandhi , ho was using nonviolent protest to secure freedoms in India, and brought back many of the ideas to apply to the civil rights movement in 1960's America. Thurman mentored Martin Luther King Jr. as a young man, and King was influenced by many of Thurman's ideas. Thurman was a quiet man, and although he never lead large marches or protests, his ideas of peace and justice inspired countless other civil rights leaders. He also advocated for interreligious harmony, and was a spiritual guide for many who fought to tear down many of the dividing boundaries between people of different faiths.
I believe it is important as Americans to know our history, and know where many of our egalitarian ideals and influences came from. Recognizing overlooked, yet massively important leaders from the past such as Howard Thurman helps us better understand history, as well as the importance behind mentors and leaders who can go on to teach other great leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Thurman's ideas of bringing people together despite religion and race are ideas that we need more of in today's divided culture, and looking back at these great leaders can help us make peaceful, positive changes in our own society, which still struggles with hate, racism and social divisions.
Link: https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/01/us/howard-thurman-mlk-gandhi/index.html
I like that you chose to bring this to people's attention. I agree on how important this civil rights leader is. It is very important to know our history.
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