At Brown, the term “Third World” is not used in its common economic or geopolitical sense. Instead, it reflects a legacy of resistance, cultural affirmation, and student-led activism. Students of color began using “Third World” in the context of the Civil Rights and global liberation movements to reject terms like “minority,” which have negative connotations of inferiority and powerlessness.

Inspired by theorists like Frantz Fanon, who in The Wretched of the Earth (1961) called for a united front against colonialism and oppression, students embraced a “Third Way,” meaning a path distinct from Western capitalism (the “First World”) and Soviet communism (the “Second World”). At Brown, the term came to represent a cultural model of empowerment and liberation.

Brown students of color continue to use “Third World” to describe a shared consciousness across racial and ethnic communities. Using the term "Third World" reminds students of the power they have in coalescing, communicating, and uniting across marginalized communities to create a safer and more open place for all individuals. This consciousness at Brown also reflects a right, a willingness, and a necessity for people of color and others to define themselves instead of being defined by others.

The concept of "Third World" has a special meaning for minority students at Brown. It is not to be confused with the economic definition of the term commonly used in our society today, but rather understood as a term that celebrates diverse cultures.

The Third World Center (TWC) was established in 1976 in response to student protests in 1968 and again in 1975. Created to meet the needs of students of color and to promote racial and ethnic pluralism at Brown, the TWC became a vital space for reflection, community, and organizing.

Originally located in the basement of Churchill House, the Center relocated to its current home, 68 Brown Street (Partridge Hall), in 1986. Throughout its history, the TWC (now the Brown Center for Students of Color) has provided a space for students to explore cultural heritage, deepen their understanding of race and ethnicity, and connect through programming that celebrates identity and community.

>> Learn more about our name change.

The Third World Transition Program (TWTP) was born out of the same student activism that led to the founding of the Center. Following the 1968 protests, Black women and students of color called on the University to provide meaningful support and orientation for incoming students of color.

TWTP is named in the spirit of Third World consciousness, emphasizing the shared struggles and strengths of students from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Rather than viewing students through a deficit lens, TWTP celebrates identity, encourages critical reflection, and helps participants build community before the start of the academic year.

To this day, TWTP reflects the belief that community, identity, and justice are integral to the Brown experience.

>> Learn more about the Third World Transition Program.