NCCU and Duke Students Bridge Divides Through Summer Internship

This summer three students took tangible steps in addressing social and cultural divides through the Bridge Internship Program, a joint initiative between Duke Chapel and the Wesley Campus Ministry at North Carolina Central University. Living together in the Chapel's PathWays House in Durham's West End neighborhood, the students from NCCU and Duke learned to bridge differences in society through readings, workshops, and internships with community organizations.

Alt Text:  The 2024 Bridge Interns (left to right): Taylor Stewart, Shania Collins, and Zaria Williamson. Title Text:  The 2024 Bridge Interns (left to right): Taylor Stewart, Shania Collins, and Zaria Williamson. The 2024 Bridge Interns (left to right): Taylor Stewart, Shania Collins, and Zaria Williamson.

One of the interns, Taylor Stewart, a junior at NCCU, served at Church World Service where she had the opportunity to advocate for refugees with members of the North Carolina General Assembly.

“It was really great being able to talk to legislators and to discuss bills that are important to the refugee and immigrant community,” Stewart said. “I met leaders who are truly passionate about these issues and want to see some change.”

In addition to working with community organizations, the interns read and discussed books from varying religious perspectives: Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson, Interfaith Leadership by Ebol Patel, Casting Indra’s Net by Pamela Ayo Yetunde, and This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley. 

Alt Text:  Chapel Dean Luke Powery prays at the Bridge Internship closing celebration. Title Text:  Chapel Dean Luke Powery prays at the Bridge Internship closing celebration. Chapel Dean Luke Powery prays at the Bridge Internship closing celebration.

“This internship program has been a lens for learning about different religions and how to respect them,” said Shania Collins, one of the Bridge Interns and an NCCU sophomore.

The Chapel’s assistant dean, the Rev. Bruce Puckett, was one of the leaders of the program, along with the Rev. Dr. Gloria Winston-Harris, pastor for the NCCU Wesley Campus Ministry.

“Through the summer we watched these students use the concepts they were learning with each other, in their workplaces, and at places like the Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro,” Rev. Puckett said. “It was a testimony to these women's resolve to be bridge builders in the future.”

In summing up her experience as an intern, Duke sophomore Zaria Williamson said it was a summer of personal growth.

“I learned more about myself, my spirituality, my faith, other faith practices, and the community in which I'll spend the next four or five years,” Williamson said. “Most importantly, this program taught me how to bridge divides in a world where so many people want to deepen them.”