A wave of Black women stepping into leadership positions of top divinity schools is making way for their voices to be heard over the historical noise of racism and sexism in academia.
Vanderbilt University’s divinity school dean Yolanda Pierce, who’s appointment was effective July 1, is excited about the surge of Black females heading top divinity schools.
Pierce said, according to The Christian Century, “I’m excited—not just about me, but because there are so many things happening.” The specialist in womanist theology, which examines the role of women in faith, scripture and ministry, said.
“Womanist theology took seriously the questions that women pose to text. They’re also taking very seriously the questions that the marginalized, the least of these, the outcasts in society, are posing to their sacred texts and sacred traditions.”
At Harvard, the oldest institution for higher learning in the United States, was recently inaugurated as well. All three are the first Black person to lead their institutions. Gilliam is Boston University’s first woman president.
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Source: Black Enterprise
