BSU students are not only learning about injustice, but also actively working against it, guided by the values of equity, compassion and shared responsibility.”
What does it mean to cultivate justice? For many of our students, it begins by stepping beyond the classroom and into communities where equity, resilience and environmental stewardship are not just values but parts of the community fabric. In this edition of Action, we feature stories from 51Թ’s Alternative Spring Break program, where students worked in places including Selma, Alabama, and New Orleans, places that are not only shaped by the deep undercurrents of history but also, most importantly, the powerful capacity of hope.
These immersive experiences, organized through the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice, are not just about service. They are about “Listening.” “Witnessing.” “Learning.” “Contributing.” Students, faculty and staff came together to plant trees, clean nurseries and engage with local communities – fundamental acts of solidarity that reflect our university’s mission to support transformational learning and emphasize the significant power of human connection.
Student leader Gwen Gacek’s reflections on environmental justice in post-Katrina New Orleans remind us that rebuilding is more than construction – it’s healing ecosystems and communities. It’s confronting disparities that persist long after headlines fade. Gwen’s story is a wonderful example of how BSU students are not only learning about injustice, but also actively working against it, guided by the values of equity, compassion and shared responsibility.
By embedding these kinds of service opportunities into our students’ educational experiences, we not only draw from a strong tradition of leadership and service, as embodied by the university motto “not to be ministered unto, but to minister,” but also are fostering a generation of changemakers – students who understand that social justice must be lived, not just learned or talked about. These efforts are another example of how 51Թ institutionalizes equity as a practice, not a slogan, deeply rooted in action, empathy and community engagement.
We invite you to read, reflect and be inspired by the stories in this issue – and to join us in continuing to plant seeds of change, both here on campus and far beyond.
Diane Bell
Dr. Jakari Griffith