Photo Credit: Photographers@Large
On Saturday, January 14, the Black Church/Africana Religious Studies Program hosted a Womanist Symposium – “Who Do They Say I Am?” at the McGee Avenue Baptist Church in Berkeley. The Honorable Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 9th Congressional District, was the morning keynote speaker (pictured above).
“The attendance far exceeded expectations,” according to Dr. Martha Taylor, Symposium Convener. “By bridging the academy and the seminary, this first ever of its kind symposium offered an opportunity to engage womanist theology within the context of Black Women in the local church setting.”
Dr. Valerie Miles-Tribble led a leadership workshop addressing sexism, isolation, and fear. Drs. Brenda Guess (M.A. '04) and Rose Eberhardt led a workshop on writing the vision and making it plain – an exercise in writing your vision and infusing it with womanist values and concerns. GTU doctoral student Rev. Richetta Amen led a workshop on Womanist Preaching, addressing the appropriateness of Womanist theological reflection.
The symposium brought together seminarians, pastors, and lay leaders with a common concern. The day ended with communion.