Howard Thurman

Date of Birth: November 18, 1899

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: April 10, 1981

Biography

Howard Thurman was an influential American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. Born in the early 20th century, he became one of the most notable figures in the field of religious studies and social justice. Thurman was a key mentor to Martin Luther King Jr. and played a pivotal role in shaping the nonviolent civil rights movement in the United States. Thurman was born in Daytona, Florida, and went on to attend Morehouse College and Rochester Theological Seminary. Throughout his career, he held several significant academic and pastoral positions, including Dean of Rankin Chapel at Howard University and Dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University. He was a prolific writer, with works such as “Jesus and the Disinherited” leaving a lasting impact on both religious thought and social activism. Thurman’s work emphasized the importance of spiritual self-awareness and the interconnectedness of all life. He dedicated his life to advocating for nonviolent resistance and the inner transformation necessary for societal change. His teachings continue to inspire new generations of thinkers and activists.

5 Interesting Facts about Howard Thurman

1. Howard Thurman was the first African-American dean at a predominantly white university, serving as Dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University.

2. He co-founded The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco, one of the first racially integrated, intercultural churches in the United States.

3. Thurman was heavily influenced by a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi during a pilgrimage to India, which solidified his commitment to nonviolent resistance.

4. His book “Jesus and the Disinherited” profoundly influenced the civil rights movement and was a significant inspiration to Martin Luther King Jr.

5. Thurman was awarded 13 honorary degrees throughout his lifetime, recognizing his contributions to theology and social justice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howard Thurman

1. “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

2. “There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself.”

3. “Community cannot for long feed on itself; it can only flourish with the coming of others from beyond, their unknown and undiscovered brothers.”

4. “The movement of the spirit of God in the hearts of men often calls them to act against the spirit of their times.”

5. “In the stillness of the quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Howard Thurman’s net worth is not well-documented, as his contributions were primarily in the fields of education, theology, and social justice rather than financial accumulation.