“I was afraid to take this class at first. I didn’t want to be the only white kid in an Africana Studies course, but it turned out to be different than I expected, both in terms of the diversity of the class members and the idea of the course. The class serves as a great forum for open discussion about race. I’ve never felt comfortable really being able to talk about these issues in other settings. The small size makes it comfortable. You get to know the other people and really start to see things from other perspectives while rethinking your own. In the end, it both reaffirms and reassesses what you think.” – Josh G.

“It’s important that we have place like this to talk about race and identity. Being in Baltimore, these conversations are especially important, but they’re also the conversations that aren’t happening. When young people feel like they have a safe place with others who not only want to talk about these topics but who they know will not judge them, barriers are broken and bonds are created. I’m so glad I signed up for this class. I view the world, as well as myself, in a whole new way.” -Molly D.

“It is kind of funny, this course. It came at a time in my life when I was going through a small identity crisis about being a white privileged woman. I am not sure yet whether that was a good or bad thing, but it definitely allowed me to bring a unique perspective to the discussion. I think that it was what was so great about the class; everyone was an individual with a unique heritage and history. The opportunity for us all to sit down in a safe zone and talk openly about such a heated topic as race was amazing. I would definitely encourage anyone and everyone to sign-up for not only this class, but any other type of open-forum occasion that would provide them with a similar experience.” – Katharine W.

“This class is significant because it addresses multiculturalism on a variety of levels. Multiculturalism is a topic that often needs to be discussed with a greater sense of understanding, comprehension, and open-mindedness. The word itself can be confusing, mainly because the concept of multiculturalism is constantly changes. As more people of different ethnic backgrounds begin to voice their opinions make their voices heard to a continually growing audience, ‘multiculturalism’ can ultimately become less of a discussion and more of a social and political movement. Overall, it assigns meaning and value to the unique viewpoints that persons develop, and ultimately sustain via experiences, racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and/or class differences in the world today. In all, the class illustrated that multiculturalism upholds the ideals of equality, freedom, and civil rights that form the legal system in the United States.” – Hasan J.

“This is a class where students have the opportunity to not only voice, but deliberate and question some of the common misconceptions about
different races, cultures, and historical portrayal of ethnic identity. I personally feel that each of us hold our own prejudices and creating an environment where people can grow to better understand each other is a remarkable experience and endeavor. As we look around we cant help to notice diversity all around us. We want to create an environment that encourages and values an increasingly diverse group
of students. Though we visually see many differences, not only in the way we each look, or the traditional values we might hold, we each
have something to learn from each other.” – Derrick B.

“The class, From Civil Rights to Multiculturalism: Student Movements for Social Change, is a class that has allowed an open discussion about controversial topics such as sexuality, race, ethnicity, and white privilege. We talked about many topics that would never have been discussed in any other class and topics that society find taboo to discuss. I believe this class has allowed students from many different backgrounds to not necessarily find a resolution to the many problems that arise from race or ethnicity. Instead, we have learned to listen to one another, respect each other, and understand where each of us is coming from. Respecting and understanding different opinions, ideas, and backgrounds are the first steps to alleviating such misunderstandings that arise from race and ethnicity. This class has been so meaningful and so productive, I believe universities should make these courses mandatory for incoming freshman. It could make a huge difference on how students relate to one another.” – Sarah V.

“This course creates a comfortable atmosphere for students to confront stereotypes and challenge assumptions. Normally these conversations do not take place because students are afraid to rock the boat and offend each other. In this class, though, we did not have to be so concerned with being politically correct and this frankness led to mutual respect amongst both students and the professor. We talked openly and honestly with each other in order to bridge gaps because we truly wanted to understand each others’ perspectives.” – Tiffany C.

“The class provided an approach to learning that was based largely on student input and the risks we took in speaking our minds; all guided by Professor’s questions and the readings we completed. It was rewarding to see our discussions deepen and mature as we gained comfort and, I would even say, some wholly new ideas. I would not go so far as to state that we reached a consensus in group sentiments regarding any of our multicultural discussion topics, but the exposure to said sentiments was there and substantial benfit came from simply hearing the spectrum of opinion (if nothing else). For students who are motivated to complete readings and who jump at the opportunity for active participation/engagement during class time, this course might just be a ‘must.’ Easily non-traditional, From Civil Rights to Multiculturalism: Student Movements for Social Change provides an arena for dialogue that is unique both in its racial orientation and the freedom of particpation/expression afforded to students.” – Tony Z.

“In my opinion, From Civil Rights to Multi-Culturalism: Student Movements for Social Change is a strong beginning to what must be a widespread effort to fill the gap that exists in Johns Hopkins curriculum. Issues of race are rarely, if ever, addressed by the university in a setting that promotes frank discussion of race and other controversial issues that influence the countless interactions experienced by the Hopkins student on a day to day basis. However, this class also fosters valuable discussions that give knowledge to the students that participate in them while providing the students with tools often used in respectful discussion, affording them the opportunity to continue their insightful discussions with other students outside of the classroom.” – Lena H.

“It’s hard to describe the impact of a class that has affirmed my sense of self as a multidimensional individual. I am so used to playing the role of the minority – whether it is in race, gender, or most often, religion. I constantly find myself on the defense because of these varying aspects of my identity, and this class provided me the comfort I have never been able to feel with others who are different. When around others, I always worry that the aspect of my identity that is most drastic from their’s will be challenged and I will conform. Yet in this class – and only in this setting, thus far – I have been able to feel comfortable discussing these issues that force me to address the vulnerable aspects of my being, without at any point feeling the need to be on guard. And it’s transcended from comfort, to legitimate friendships with people I would have never spoken to prior to this class. And even if I never talk to some of these students again (which I highly doubt), they will always have had an impact on the formation of my identity in this crucial time of our growth. This is something only Professor Carter and his class could provide me.” – Nora A.