Union Theological Seminary’s Religion and Black Experience concentration explores the religious experience, ideas, and practices of the African diaspora in multinational, multifaith, and gendered contexts.
Our dynamic curriculum builds upon the groundbreaking work of scholars like James Cone and Delores Williams to center Black theology, liberation, the Black social gospel and womanist theology in the classroom. The program is also designed for flexibility, which allows students to explore across fields of study, including Bible/Sacred Texts, Interreligious Engagement, Practical Theology, Psychology and Religion, Religion and Society, Theology and Social Ethics.
This program includes:
- Coursework in African and African diasporic religion outside the Christian tradition, such as The Bible and West African Religions, African Religions in the Diaspora, and West African Religion: The Case for Senegal
- Coursework that engages Black Christian thought and practice, such as The Black Social Gospel, Black Theology and Womanist Theology, Bible and the Blues, Gandhi and King, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and James Baldwin, and Introduction to Black Practical Theology
- Coursework at the intersection of race, gender and sexuality, such as Women and the Black Freedom Movement, Women, Islam, Interpretation, Womanist Approaches to Spiritual Care and Womanist Theology and The Arts
- The opportunity to attend the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference each spring
- Study and training in Harlem, New York, an unparalleled training ground for a life dedicated to social justice.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
The Rev. Dr. Andrea C. White is a distinguished Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Union Theological Seminary, known for her expertise in womanist theology, critical theory, and philosophy of religion. She has made significant contributions as the Executive Director of the Society for the Study of Black Religion and has held leadership roles within the American Academy of Religion, including past co-chair of the Black Theology program unit. Dr. White’s scholarly work includes the forthcoming Scandal of Flesh, alongside other notable publications. Her extensive involvement with editorial boards and advisory committees spans across global and national platforms, highlighting her commitment to theological education and social justice. An ordained American Baptist minister with a rich background in parish ministry and chaplaincy, Dr. White brings a unique blend of practical ministry experience and academic excellence to her teaching, underpinned by her education from The University of Chicago Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, and Oberlin College and Conservatory. Her accolades include the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award from Emory University, reflecting her profound impact on communities and theological scholarship.