From Ancestral Wisdom to Campus Change: Dr. Gloria Howell on Leadership

"To Be And Do" with Philip Amerson

To Be and Do Podcast

In this compelling episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Phil Amerson continues his conversation with Dr. Gloria Howell, director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at Indiana University. Building on their prior discussion about her upbringing in New Albany, Mississippi, and her early influences, Gloria now reflects on her role as a leader, mentor, and change-maker in the Bloomington, Indiana community.

Phil and Gloria delve into the importance of acknowledging and honoring the “ancestors”—the generations of Black IU students, staff, and community leaders whose effort, resilience, and vision helped shape Indiana University’s Black community today. Gloria shares the story behind her favorite “acknowledging our ancestors” shirt, highlighting key figures like Herman Hudson, James Mumford, Jimmy Ross, and the Center’s namesakes, Marcellus Neal and Frances Marshall. These icons, she explains, not only built a foundation for today’s Black students but also remind the current generation of the deep legacy they are a part of.

The episode also explores the reality faced by students today amid societal tension and political unrest. Gloria candidly discusses the pressures on student activists and leaders, emphasizing the importance of self-care, avoiding burnout, and focusing on their academic journeys. She shares wisdom from her mentors—especially Charlie Nelms—and underscores the balance between activism and personal well-being. Mental health, wellness resources such as embedded counseling, and honest conversations about setting boundaries are central in how she supports students through challenging times.

A significant part of their discussion is Gloria’s dedication to civic engagement and the arts in Bloomington. She describes her upbringing with the belief that “community is ministry,” guiding her commitment to service through involvement with organizations such as the City of Bloomington’s MLK Commission, NAACP, and Constellation Stage and Screen. Gloria highlights the ongoing need to assess local needs, ensure marginalized voices are included in the arts and civic life, and build bridges across diverse groups for meaningful impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Honoring the Past: Acknowledging the ancestors and trailblazers of Black IU is key to understanding and shaping the present and future for Black students and the wider community.
2. Student Well-being: Balancing activism and academic focus, supporting mental health, and encouraging boundary-setting are vital for empowering resilient student leaders.
3. Civic Engagement as Ministry: Deep community involvement—especially in areas of justice, inclusion, and the arts—serves as a form of living out one’s values and bridging divides.
4. Legacy and Responsibility: Living and serving with awareness of those who came before inspires intentional, effective community leadership.

Tune in for a heartfelt, insightful conversation with Dr. Gloria Howell—an inspiring reminder of the importance of history, healing, leadership, and joy in doing the work that matters.