Film Screening & Conversation: Backs Against the Wall – The Howard Thurman Story
Friday, October 24, at 7:00 PM
Pullen Memorial Baptist Church - Finlator Hall
Howard Thurman at Boston University
From the Howard Thurman and Sue Bailey Thurman Collections, Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University.
Howard Thurman was one of the most influential spiritual voices of the 20th century and a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his groundbreaking book Jesus and the Disinherited, Thurman reminds us that the life and teachings of Jesus call us to deep inner work — the kind of spiritual grounding that sustains courage, compassion, and the struggle for justice through nonviolent resistance. His words still inspire people today who are seeking to heal divisions and help create a more just and loving world.
This event is open to the entire Raleigh community, people of all faith traditions, spiritual seekers, and those simply curious about Thurman’s life and vision are warmly invited. Thurman’s work reached beyond church walls, weaving together insights from Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Quaker practice to call people everywhere toward courage, compassion, and freedom.
Following the film, Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr. - Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church Raleigh, Professor of Theology, and noted Howard Thurman scholar will engage us in a conversation about Thurman’s life, teachings, and their significance for us today. Dr. Harshaw, like Thurman, is a lifelong seeker of the common good, committed to lifting up the dignity and purpose of all creation. He will share why Thurman has been a central figure in his own life and ministry.
Film screenings at Pullen are more than movie nights — they are opportunities for learning, reflection, and dialogue that connect people across lines of difference. This is a chance for our city to pause together, imagine a more just and loving world, and ask how Thurman’s vision might guide us forward.
Meet Our Guest Speaker: Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr., sharing reflections on Howard Thurman after the screening
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
About Pullen
Pullen Memorial Baptist Church is a welcoming, progressive faith community located in the heart of Raleigh. Known for its commitment to justice, inclusion, and the dignity of every person, Pullen provides space for worship, learning, and action that connect faith with real-world issues. Whether through worship, education, advocacy, or community events, Pullen seeks to embody a vision of God’s love that embraces all people.
"This evening is meant to be a place where you can bring your whole self — even your deepest fears, doubts, and questions — and be met with the courage of those who have faced the same struggles. In a time when so many of us are feeling shaken, learning from voices like Howard Thurman and Dr. Harshaw reminds us that we are not alone, and that together we can find the strength to hope, act, and stay connected.”
- Rachael Wooten, 40 year Pullen Member, Event Organizer, Author, Diplomate Jungian Analyst, and Mediation Teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition