In the late sixties, there was an eruption of protest from many groups in the United States. They felt that for too long they had been without a voice. There was an outpouring of frustration, anger, and resentment. There were cries of conflict and turmoil as groups across America demanded to be heard. From their cries emerged the impassioned voices of the women’s movement, the black power movement, and the student movement. It was during these years that frustration was symbolic of change. Their voices were raised in a chorus of despair, and everyone knew the times would change. 

            Each of these groups felt an overwhelming need to recruit others to their cause and to bond together to make their voices heard. It was time to negotiate for change in a society that had ignored them for too long. In Nashville, young African American dental students from Meharry also felt the need to organize the students at their school so that their voices could also be heard. Rueben Warren and John Maupin led the movement. In 1970, Rueben Warren wrote a letter to Dr. James Holley, III, the President of the National Dental Association (NDA). In his letter he expressed concern for the welfare of African American dental students who he felt were voiceless and had no support, no guidance, and no connection to anyone. He asked permission to form a student chapter of the NDA at Meharry’s Medical College. Meharry was one of two historically black institutions that educated African American dentists. The other was Howard University. Dr. Holley approved the concept for the formation of a student group at Meharry. However, before Rueben Warren could witness the formation of this student organization, he graduated. But in his mind and in his heart the seed had been planted.