Faith, Identity, Belonging, and Courageous Community
Rashid Darden is a Quaker author, minister, and speaker who works at the crossroads of faith, identity, history, and leadership. He helps students and campus communities talk honestly about who they are, where they come from, and how they live with integrity in complex institutions.
In Spring 2026, Rashid serves as Friend in Residence at Haverford College. This role reflects a proven model for campus engagement that combines keynote speaking with real presence, conversation, and community building.
Rashid works with colleges and universities that want more than a one-time event. His visits are designed to create space for reflection, connection, and honest dialogue. His work is especially meaningful for students and communities who are learning how to navigate institutions that were not always built with them in mind.
What Rashid Offers Campuses
Rashid partners with campuses to provide:
- Major keynote talks that invite reflection and conversation
- Programming that goes beyond the stage
- Faith-informed dialogue in both secular and religious settings
- Honest conversations about identity, history, harm, and healing
- Spaces where students carrying many parts of themselves can be fully seen
- Experiences that support belonging, understanding, and moral courage
His work supports campuses that are serious about student well-being, cultural awareness, and building stronger community.
Signature Keynotes
Faith, Identity, and Belonging
This keynote explores what it means to live truthfully in settings shaped by tradition, pressure, and high expectations. Rashid shares stories and spiritual insights that invite students and staff to reflect on belonging, integrity, and the courage it takes to be fully present.
Light and Shadow: Ancestry, Accountability, and Liberation
This talk looks at how personal and shared history shapes our lives today. Rashid reflects on ancestry, harm, and responsibility. He offers ways to face difficult truths while still holding hope, healing, and growth.
Campus Residencies & Community Engagement
Rashid also offers short-term campus residencies, based on his work as Friend in Residence at Haverford College. These visits allow for deeper connection and learning.
Residencies may include:
- A keynote talk
- Small-group conversations with students
- Meetings with campus ministry or spiritual life staff
- Worship or reflection spaces
- Sessions with faculty and staff
- Informal gatherings that help build trust and community
This approach allows Rashid to be present in ways that support both students and the larger campus culture.
Institutional Partnership
Rashid’s work fits well with:
- Campus Ministry and Religious or Spiritual Life
- Dean of Students and Student Life
- Offices focused on belonging and inclusion
- Multicultural Affairs
- Cultural Centers
- Leadership, ethics, and social justice programs
- LGBTQ+ and identity-based support offices
His approach is grounded in listening, respect, and spiritual care. This makes his work a good fit across many types of campuses and traditions.
A Proven Campus Partner
Rashid currently serves as Friend in Residence at Haverford College. His work there includes keynotes, student gatherings, spiritual life engagement, and community conversations. This experience shows how campuses can bring together reflection, identity work, and relationship building in meaningful ways.
Engagement & Booking
Rashid is available for:
- Major campus keynotes
- One- and two-day campus visits
- Short-term residencies
- Multi-event campus engagements
Each visit is planned with the host institution to meet the needs of its students and campus culture.
For inquiries and availability, please contact:
rashid@rashiddarden.com