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| 2019 Business and Local Poverty students |
Ten years ago Dr. Barbara Cartledge (Asst Dean and Asst
Professor, Brock School of Business, Samford University) and I worked together
to create a class experience that would move the students out of their textbooks
and campus and immerse them in the community. This class explores the topic of
local poverty and business through a Biblical and societal lens. Students read
required books about poverty and the marginalized and then visit churches and
ministries working within this context to develop a better understanding of
Birmingham, the integral differences within the neighborhoods, and the variety
of ways churches, ministries, and businesses are working in these communities.
More than 100 students have participated and have been moved
by their 3-week experience to engage with the community in a more meaningful
way. This year, we had 17 and we visited 4 organizations and many more
organizations came on campus to educate and inform students how to invest in our
city. Over the years, the course has received very positive feedback and has
challenged and changed participants futures.
“The class was the best class I have taken in my three years
at Samford. This course is extremely touching and takes a different approach to
the classroom. This class opened my eyes to the community around me and changed
my life for the better.”
“This course allows students to view poverty with a
Christian lens while also seeing how business affects people within less
fortunate communities. Through this Christian lens, it put my plans moving
forward in a deeper perspective and draws greater interest to the non-profit
sector.”
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| Letters from Samford students to Tracy |
This is the coolest course that I’ve taken at Samford. I
love that we got to go out into the community and experience what we read in
the books. Honestly, I think this course should be required for everyone at
Samford, definitely my favorite class by far.”
I might take this course even if did not count for any
credits. It is informative on poverty and it gives each student an excellent
overview of the network of ministries of Birmingham.”
Samford University has deep roots in our city, beginning as
Howard College in East Lake. Many years ago it moved to its current location
but has continued to work hard to invest back into the city, like providing
this class. We also work with Samford through internships, service projects,
class projects, the Masters of Social Work program, Beeson Divinity students,
and in the field of health, dietetics, and nutrition. It is important that we
invest in the future generation, learning together, how to better love our God
and serve our community.
