Anderson University is hosting the Andrew Young Higher Education Initiative, a joint initiative with Good of All that will bring together students from universities across the nation to study and practice the principles of civility, public service and human rights.
The program has been named after, and endorsed by, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young as a reminder that participants embody the character, service and legacy of its distinguished namesake. Young, who has earned worldwide recognition as a champion of civil and human rights, helped ensure passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and later served as a member of the United States Congress, ambassador to the United Nations, mayor of Atlanta and as an ordained minister.
Background
The Andrew Young Higher Education Initiative is part of the Andrew Young Educational Network, which seeks to connect Christian colleges with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs.)
Its curriculum, developed by Dr. Matt Daniels, distinguished professor of law, human rights and international affairs at Anderson University, and Anthony Jones, chair of the HBCU Committee of the College Board, is based on Dr. King’s teachings.
Dr. Daniels and Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker last year met with Ambassador Young in a discussion about the ways in which Christian colleges in general—and AU in particular—can develop educational programs that aim to decrease societal division, political polarization and inter-personal violence.
“At this critical hour in our nation’s history when polarization is at an all-time high, it is a must that we focus our energies on salvaging some salvation for our future through the lives of dedicated young people to the unifying truths Dr. King espoused. I’m grateful for Ambassador Young’s continued support in this important endeavor,” said Anthony Jones, chair of the College Board HBCU Conference.
“I’m grateful to President Whittaker and the board of Anderson University for providing a home for this next phase of our higher education initiative that began with our Andrew Young HBCU Scholarship Program administered by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund,” Dr. Daniels said.