Sister Quincy Howard is a professed Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa. She was invited to speak at Blocker Auditorium on March 24 to discuss Catholic Social Justice and her call to action.
In December 2021, Howard wrote an op-ed for “America,” a Jesuit magazine, about her arrest outside the White House for standing in protest. Howard has been advocating for Catholic Social Justice values to be reflected in federal policies, including food security and immigrant rights. After her arrest, Howard spent a night in jail in Washington, D.C.
To achieve her goals, Howard has been lobbying on Capitol Hill, hosting public radio vigils and rallies, educating Congressional lawmakers and speaking at press events. Her advocacy also includes being a part of the Nun on the Bus group.
The Nun on the Bus group tours the country to speak on how the nation should promote justice and dignity in accordance with God’s will. Their talks focus on how democracy can be used to promote social justice values. They discuss voting rights, tax systems, Medicaid and political divisions, among many other issues.
Howard urges listeners to find their calling and allow it to lead them to purpose. With that calling, Howard stresses the importance of educating oneself to ensure understanding and ability to make a difference. Social justice, as Howard describes it, is about finding a passion and pushing limits to be authentic and a force of change.
Sam Silvia, a freshman, was inspired by Howard’s words. “It was refreshing to see Catholicism taken back to its roots,” Silvia said. As all college students learn, the world forces situations that are otherwise never thought of. Silvia said that Howard’s “discussion on listening to our low points in life to truly find ourselves was very encouraging to hear as well.”
Howard was raised religious and left the church for a while until she found her calling in social justice through sisterhood. For Silvia, Howard offered a unique and encouraging perspective.
Sister Howard was hosted by Wesleyan Engaged, which promotes civil engagement and service learning. Wesleyan Engaged hosts many events through each semester. “I am appreciative that our school is open to having such a broad spectrum of ideas shared on our campus and allows for stories not always heard to be told here in a safe space for curiosity,” Silvia said.
For upcoming events, watch for emails from Wesleyan Engaged.
By Rhian Tramontana
rjtramontana@vwu.edu
