Boniface Hardin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Rev.
Boniface Hardin
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Boniface Hardin depicting Frederick Douglass
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| Born |
James Randolph Hardin
November 18, 1933 |
| Died | March 24, 2012 (aged 78) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | University President |
| Known for | Social activism, education |
Boniface Hardin (born James Dwight Randolph "Randy" Hardin; November 18, 1933 – March 24, 2012) was a Benedictine monk and a strong voice for social justice. He is best known for founding Martin University in Indianapolis, Indiana. This university gave many adults a chance to earn a college degree. Father Hardin spent his life working to improve education and fight for fairness for all people.
Contents
Early Life and Calling
Growing Up in Kentucky
James Randolph Hardin was born on November 18, 1933, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the oldest son of Elizabeth and Albert Hardin. His parents both went to college. His mother was a teacher. His father worked in different jobs to earn more money.
Young James was known as Randy. He grew up in Bardstown, Kentucky. He was a serious student and a devoted Catholic. He learned the words to the Latin Mass by heart. He was a bright and reliable altar boy.
During World War II, his family moved to Louisville, Kentucky. His father worked at a boatyard. Randy went to St. Peter Claver elementary school there.
Facing Challenges and Finding His Path
At age 13, Randy felt called to become a priest. His teachers and mentors supported him. However, the local Archbishop said he could not join the seminary because he was African American.
Randy's family learned that St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana had just started accepting African American students. The community helped raise money for Randy to go there. The Archbishop refused to help financially.
While at St. Meinrad, Randy decided to become a monk. He was given the name Boniface. He became a priest in 1959. He called this "the most important day of my life."
His first job as a priest was at St. Meinrad. He studied business at the University of Notre Dame. After six years, he felt he needed to do more. In 1965, he moved to Indianapolis. He became an associate pastor at Holy Angels Church.
Fighting for Justice in Indianapolis
A Voice for Change
By the mid-1960s, Holy Angels Parish was a main Catholic church for African Americans in Indianapolis. Father Hardin quickly saw unfairness in the church and society. He joined protests against police brutality and segregation. He also fought against poverty. He spoke out against a highway that would split the neighborhood.
Father Hardin became more outspoken. He challenged public officials. He started wearing a dashiki and an Afro haircut instead of his traditional priest's clothes. The Archbishop of Indianapolis tried to send him back to St. Meinrad.
But the people of Holy Angels and their supporters stood up for him. They walked out of an Easter Sunday service led by the Archbishop. The Archbishop then changed his order. However, Father Hardin decided he could no longer serve effectively there. He left Holy Angels in December 1969. He wanted to start a new center.
Starting the Martin Center
With help from other priests and supporters, Father Hardin bought a building. He founded the Martin Center. It was named after Martin Luther King Jr. and St. Martin de Porres. In 1970, the center was described as a place to bring black and white people together. It aimed to overcome unfairness and hostility.
Sister Jane Schilling joined Father Hardin. She had been a principal at Holy Angels School. Father Hardin had the ideas and spoke publicly. Sister Jane did the research and managed the center. This partnership lasted for his whole life.
Father Hardin traveled and gave talks on race relations. This helped raise money for the Martin Center. Sister Jane managed programs for the community. These programs taught about African American history and culture.
In 1971, Father Hardin helped start the Sickle Cell Center. This center tested for sickle cell disease and taught families about it. They also opened the Afro-American Institute. This institute focused on research and education about African and African American culture. It had a library and offered leadership programs.
Father Hardin and Sister Jane used many ways to share their programs. They had a weekly radio show called The Afro-American in Indiana. They also edited a journal. They hosted a TV show called Afro-American and narrated two TV documentaries.
Building Martin University
A "Second Chance School"
Father Hardin saw that many African American adults needed better college options. So, he planned to start a university. In 1977, Martin Center College was created. It was officially recognized as a college in 1987.
The college focused on helping adults who had not finished college earlier. It was known as the "Second Chance School." It gave credit for life experiences. This approach helped many adult learners succeed.
As the college grew, Father Hardin became a well-known leader in education. He often gave speeches and received many awards. People admired his focus on fairness and his humble nature. He also continued his duties as a priest.
Many people thought Father Hardin looked like Frederick Douglass. He often performed as Douglass, telling stories from Douglass's life. He did these shows at the university and in the community.
A Community Leader
As President, Father Hardin was very good at getting money for the university. Much of this came from the Lilly Endowment. The college became a separate organization in 1979. In 1989, it became Martin University. It started offering master's degrees.
In 1988, the Lady Elizabeth program began. This program offered education to women in a nearby prison. It ran until 2003. In 2000, the Martin University Education Center opened. This was the first new building built for the university.
During Father Hardin's time as president, the number of students grew from a few to almost 1,000. By the time he retired in 2007, Martin University had given out 1,370 degrees. Most students were African American women. The average student age was about 38 years old.
Father Hardin also became a major community figure in Indianapolis. He worked as a consultant for programs that ensured fair opportunities. He helped lead efforts to improve police relations. He was a member of many important groups. These included the Mayor’s Task Force on AIDS for Minorities and the board of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. He also worked with the Tuskegee Airmen and the National Council of Negro Women.
Father Hardin faced several health problems. He became a strong supporter of awareness for cancer and diabetes.
Later Years and Legacy
Father Hardin retired in December 2007. He planned to write several books. However, he faced challenges at Martin University after his retirement. He had a stroke in September 2011. Father Hardin passed away on March 24, 2012. He is buried at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana.
Awards and Honors
Father Boniface Hardin received many awards for his work:
- 2002: International Citizen of the Year by the International Center of Indianapolis.
- 2002: "Living Legend" by the Indiana Historical Society.
- 2002: Living Legends in Black by the Hoosier Minority Black Chamber of Commerce.
- 2001: NUVO Cultural Vision Award for Lifetime Achievement.
- "Living the Legacy" Award for showing the principles of Dr. King.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award from Perry Township Schools.
- Spirit of Justice award from the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
- Outstanding Community Service to Children and Youth from Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
- Indiana Black Expo President Image Award.
- Advanced Opportunities and Education Award, City of Indianapolis.
- Distinguished and Valuable Service to Humankind Award.
- Who's Who in Black Indianapolis.
- The Spirit of Indy Award.
- Scroll of Merit Award, National Medical Association.
- Sagamore of the Wabash (a high honor in Indiana).
- 1997: Distinguished Alumnus Award from Saint Meinrad Seminary.
- He also received honorary doctorates from many universities. These included Indiana University, Manchester University, and Marian University.
