Pauli Murray Book Group

To celebrate the end of spring semester, the Service-Learning Program met as a “Book Group” to discuss the wonderful new book about Pauli Murray and Eleanor Roosevelt—The Firebrand and the First Lady.

Barbara Lau, who has led the efforts to bring Pauli Murray’s story to light in Durham (see http://paulimurrayproject.org/)  joined us, as we reflected on our many points of resonance with Pauli’s story.  A graduate of Hillside High in Durham in 1926, Pauli went on to be a tireless advocate for civil rights, working women, and the poor. She became a lawyer, a writer, and an Episcopal priest—and developed a warm and enduring friendship with Mrs. Roosevelt, as she took her to task for the slow progress of human rights under FDR, and, later, as she deeply influenced Mrs. Roosevelt’s own advocacy with the UN Commission on Human Rights.

The Pauli Murray Project has hosted many service-learning students over the years, and, in addition to enjoying the murals around town and the increased awareness of her story, we are delighted that her family’s Durham home has recently been named a National Treasure. This project is an inspiring example of how community leaders have worked with Duke students and faculty to make her fascinating story more accessible to Durham residents.

Pauli wrote, “The best I can do to help others is to be the best I can myself.” This reflection captures the mission of Duke’s Service-Learning Program, as we strive to enable our students to integrate their service experiences not only with their coursework, but also with lessons for life.