SBL Hosts #BlackScholarsMatter Symposium Online (August 12-13, 2020)

In this two-part online symposium organized by the Society of Biblical Literature, we will have a chance to hear and learn from some of our guild’s Black colleagues about their experiences in the academy and the changes that they would like to see happen.

Special thanks to Tat-siong Benny Liew, Kimberly Russaw, and Raj Nadella for organizing this symposium.

#BlackScholarsMatter: Visions and Struggles

Panelists will discuss their experiences of and aspirations for teaching, writing, and being Black biblical scholars in the academy.

Cheryl Anderson, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Randall Bailey, Interdenominational Theological Center

Madipoane Masenya, University of South Africa

Shively Smith, Boston University

Renita Weems, Ray of Hope Community Church

Vincent Wimbush, Institute for Signifying Scriptures

Presider, Adele Reinhartz, University of Ottawa, SBL President

Moderator, Efrain Agosto, New York Theological Seminary, SBL Council Chair

 #BlackScholarsMatter: Lessons and Hopes

Panelists will share their learnings and dreams concerning teaching, writing, and being Black biblical scholars in the academy.

Ronald Charles, Saint Francis Xavier University

Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder, Chicago Theological Seminary

Steed Vernyl Davidson, McCormick Theological Seminary

Vanessa Lovelace, Lancaster Theological Seminary

Kimberly Russaw, Christian Theological Seminary

Abraham Smith, Perkins School of Theology/Southern Methodist University

Presider, Hugh Rowland Page, Jr., University of Notre Dame, SBL Council

Moderator, Sidnie White Crawford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, SBL Council

The symposium will be open to all, SBL members and colleagues in the wider guild, though a free registration will be required. Registrations will begin on 15 July, at which point a link will be available HERE. Registration will be limited to 1,000 attendees, however, anyone unable to attend or register will be able to view recordings of the two sessions shortly after the date of the symposium on SBL’s INFO PAGE.