Cliff Richards Memorial Student Activist Award for Students Attending a Historically Black College or University
Humberto
University of Houston
Humberto, a student majoring in biomedical engineering, is driven by a passion for research and a commitment to improving human well-being through technological advancements. They aspire to work in bioengineering, a field that has already enabled breakthroughs like helping paraplegics walk and the blind see. Humberto’s dream is to contribute to this innovative field by developing technologies that enhance the quality of life for people around the world.
Humberto’s journey toward secularism began during their teenage years in Venezuela, where they grew up in a Catholic household. Despite being immersed in religious traditions, Humberto’s growing curiosity about science and the empirical approach it offered led them to question the religious doctrines they were raised with. As their interest in scientific inquiry deepened, Humberto found themselves increasingly at odds with the dogmatic beliefs of their upbringing, leading them to embrace secularism. For Humberto, secularism provides a philosophical framework that values reason, evidence-based knowledge, and the freedom to explore ideas without religious constraints.
Founding the Secular Student Alliance chapter at Lone Star College was a turning point for Humberto’s activism. The chapter became a platform for advocating the separation of church and state and fostering open dialogue about secular values. Humberto organized speaker panels on topics ranging from science literacy to the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public policy. They also led student forums where participants could openly discuss religion, secularism, and contentious issues like abortion in a safe, respectful environment.
Humberto’s advocacy for LGBTQ-plus rights is closely tied to their secular identity. Having grown up in a deeply religious environment where homophobic attitudes were prevalent, Humberto experienced the painful intersection of personal identity and societal expectations. Their commitment to secularism stems from the desire for a society where individuals are not judged or discriminated against based on their sexual orientation. This belief has driven their efforts to promote inclusion and equality through workshops, collaborations with LGBTQ-plus organizations, and participation in Pride events.
Humberto’s activism extends beyond LGBTQ-plus and secular issues. They are deeply committed to humanitarian causes, including raising awareness about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As the new academic year begins, Humberto plans to collaborate with student organizations and media outlets to amplify their message, foster dialogue, and mobilize support for peace and humanitarian aid.
FFRF thanks the estate of Cliff Richards for this scholarship for HBCU students.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a national nonprofit organization with 40,000 members across the country. Our purposes are to protect the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism.
The Secular Student Alliance is the only national organization dedicated to atheist, humanist, and other nontheist students. It empowers secular students to proudly express their identity, build welcoming communities, promote secular values, and set a course for lifelong activism.
