Religious and spiritual organizations are visible across Howard University's campus. These organizations plan events, go on outings and spread their messages. Often times, in these religious groupings, though, many students who do not believe in a supreme being are often overlooked.
Secular Students was created in 2010 under the leadership of current president Mark D. Hatcher, third year Ph.D student. The goal of this organization is simple: to create an environment in which students can come and discuss their views in a family-like setting. The group is composed of agnostics, atheists, and other students who may have at some point questioned religion and/or the existence of a higher being.
"It is a support and action group," Hatcher said, "We're not here to fight with people, we're here to bridge together all religious communities."
The group's meeting began with normal housekeeping, discussing both future plans and events. The group heavily involves itself in community service activities throughout the D.C. area, hosts movie nights and frequent discussions. Later in the meeting, members shared stories of informing family and friends of their religious stance, or as the group called them, "Coming Out Stories." Many members were embraced by their loved ones after informing them of their position, whereas others described the situation as difficult.
"I lost my friends for like 8 months," said Janetta Freeman, senior anthropology major.
Dominic Ripoli, senior legal communications major, discussed his and others efforts to get Howard students to come to the meetings and events. Unfortunately, everyone is not receptive to the idea.
"Many of the flyers we post either come up missing or are covered with handwritten bible verses," Ripoli said.
An issue brought before the group this past Monday involved the negative connotations associated with the term atheist. More often than not, the group agreed that people associate the term atheist with devil-worshiper or someone completely immoral.
The group concluded that being both an African-American and atheist can present itself as being difficult too, as Christianity and religiosity are tightly intertwined in the black community. The group aims to break down these stereotypes, preconceived notions, and barriers, so to better connect believers with the nonbelievers.
"I now have other rational thinkers to discuss things with, " said Nigel Kirk, sophomore English major. "I didn't know that there were people, especially at Howard, that shared my beliefs."
Secular Students hopes to make its presence even more known in the near future. It wants to attract students that have always wondered, but have been quieted because they never had a person or group to turn to.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!