June 1, 2005

Today, I had a really good time at the International Peace University of South Africa, where we had another student forum. I think this experience was very powerful because it was my first time getting to know Muslim students' perspectives of America and of their country, South Africa.

Though our group raised many questions, our main questions centered around how they deal with challenges—such as HIV/AIDS, poverty, racial profiling, drugs, teenage pregnancy and gay marriage—that South Africa and America are faced with daily. After an hour of discussion, it was so interesting to see that we have so much in common. Many of the problems that the Muslim students in South Africa are faced with are similar to the problems of American students.

Nuraan, my new Muslim friend, was very talkative in our group discussion. She and I had a lot of discussion about these issues, apart from just asking general information about one another. Nuraan is a very strong-willed person who speaks with confidence. One day she will make a great leader among her people.

After the discussion, both the Muslim and Morehouse students concluded that studying abroad and meeting students of different of cultures across continents are very important. Dr. Walter Fluker, executive director of the Leadership Center, said that for the next generation of ethical leaders to break down racial barriers and to find solutions, we must first respect one another regardless of our religions and beliefs. His statement meant a lot to me. In order to come together and battle the issues of the world, everyone must come together as a people and understand that everyone is equal.

Brian Buchanan ’07 is a biology major from Atlanta, Ga. When he graduates from Morehouse College he plans to enter dentistry school.

For more information on the Morehouse College Leadership Center, click here.(pdf)

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