From Mississippi Roots to Indiana Impact Dr Gloria Howell on Community, Belonging, and Leadership

In this heartfelt episode of To Be and Do , host Phil Amerson welcomes Dr. Gloria Howell, the esteemed Director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at Indiana University. Known for her deep community involvement and infectious energy, Dr. Howell joins Phil to share her journey from small-town Mississippi to finding purpose and fostering belonging in Bloomington, Indiana.

Dr. Howell begins by reflecting on her upbringing in New Albany, Mississippi, emphasizing the pivotal role of a loving, supportive village of Black women—her mother, grandmother, and aunts—who instilled in her a profound sense of resilience. Growing up in a predominantly white, rural town, Gloria’s connection to her Blackness was continuously reinforced through her close-knit community, specifically through the Black church. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her enduring commitment to creating spaces of love and acceptance for others.

Listeners discover how Gloria’s ambitions evolved during her time at the University of Mississippi, where her initial dreams of becoming “the next Oprah” transformed into an appreciation for storytelling and advocacy. Her pivot from broadcast journalism to higher education was inspired by a mentor who recognized her passion for student engagement and helping others, ultimately leading her to Indiana University for doctoral studies.

The conversation delves deeply into Dr. Howell’s culture shock upon arriving in Indiana, especially her startling experience in a Bloomington Walmart, where a simple Southern courtesy of saying “yes, ma’am” was harshly rebuffed. She candidly discusses the importance of hospitality and how just one person’s kindness—a stranger who reached out after the uncomfortable incident—helped restore her sense of belonging. This moment underscored for her the urgent need for intentional community-building, especially for people of color in majority-white spaces.

Together, Phil and Dr. Howell explore how fostering true belonging isn’t an official title but a calling. They highlight the critical importance of making newcomers feel welcome—not just for their retention, but for the health of the entire community.

Key Takeaways:

1. Community and Belonging: Dr. Howell’s story illustrates the life-changing power of feeling welcomed and valued, and how community bonds can sustain us, even far from home.
2. The Power of Mentorship: Supportive mentors guided Gloria through pivotal choices, demonstrating just how impactful encouragement and practical advice can be.
3. Small Gestures Matter: Both negative and positive interactions—like the confrontation at Walmart and the following act of compassion—can significantly affect someone’s sense of place.
4. Lifelong Commitment to Inclusion: Gloria and Phil agree to intentionally cultivate a more welcoming environment, reminding listeners that building inclusive communities is everyone’s responsibility.

Tune in for a conversation brimming with wisdom, warmth, and an inspiring call to sow seeds of love and mutual care wherever you are.

Here are more details about Dr. Gloria Howell

• Gloria Howell is a Mississippi native who arrived in Bloomington in 2013. She currently serves as Director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at Indiana University Bloomington where she works alongside a dynamic team to create and execute programs and initiatives to support Black students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the IU School of Education. Gloria considers herself a community curator whose life work centers around service and advocacy. She is active in the local community and serves as Chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Commission, Chair of the Monroe County NAACP Scholarship Committee, and Board Member of Middle Way House and Constellation Stage and Screen. She also serves as a guest co-anchor of the Bring it On! Radio broadcast on WFHB.  Gloria earned her doctoral degree from the IU School of Education and her master's and bachelor's from the University of Mississippi in higher education/student personnel and broadcast journalism, respectively. Gloria is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. A self-proclaimed creative spacemaker, Gloria enjoys advocating for artists and arts organizations and participating in karaoke as a favorite pastime.