The Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood, associate director of the Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative at Vanderbilt Divinity School, spoke to a group of students and community members concerning issues within the church in today’s society in Watkins Auditorium Nov. 7.
Her presentation, “Race, Gender, & Sexuality: Justice & The Church,” focused on a variety of topics, a central theme being whether belief is derived from institutionalized knowledge or historical happenings.
Smallwood’s speech was part of the second annual Katie Cannon lecture series.
In 1974, Cannon was the first African-American woman to be ordained in the United Presbyterian Church. Cannon, who graduated from Union Theological Seminary, eventually went on to teach there in 2001.
Smallwood focused on the legacy of Cannon and difficulties she faced obtaining her education and becoming ordained.
Smallwood described a question that Cannon was faced with and how she dealt with the dilemma – what importance do race and gender have as meaningful subjects as it relates to the development of black liberation ethics?
“You see right then, Dr. Cannon understood that she was being asked to navigate the choppy waters of race and gender in order to secure a place at the table, but what she also understood was if you’re not at the table, you were sure to be on the menu – ordered, eaten and wholly consumed.”
The New York Times described the life of Cannon in an obituary as being, “A foundational voice in womanist theology, which seeks to escape the white- and male-centered views of religion and ethics and to value the experiences and insights of black women in those areas.”
Smallwood went on to discuss other African-American women who have recently made changes to their community or society as a whole.
“I would even argue that unshouted courage belongs to people like Kamala Harris, who probably understands that this country would perhaps never be ready for a black woman president, has the audacity to get up on stage arguing a position, and standing up for what she believes.”
Smallwood also discussed how the involvement of capitalism, historically and currently, has been a critical element in the mistreatment of African-Americans, specifically African-American women.
Smallwood summarized her message with Cannon’s mission statement.
“I submit, as the mission statement says, to inspire, equip, support, and connect black women divinely motivated to serve as change members in their community.”
The event was co-sponsored by Trinity Presbyterian Church, Center for Women and Gender Equality, Office of Student Life & Multicultural Affairs, and the Civil Rights Conference.
For more information about the Katie Cannon lecture series, contact Trinity Presbyterian Church at 731-587-9718.
