African-American women have been a major influence in churches for hundreds of years, according to Beverly Bond, associate professor of history.
Bond gave an open lecture, titled “Can I Get a Witness?: African-American Women and Church,” Feb. 14, in Mitchell Hall.
In almost every religion in the 18th and 19th centuries, women’s most prominent role was in church organizations and fundraising activities, she said.
Black women were allowed to be exhorters, encouraging congregations, but not in charge of them like an ordained minister.
They organized prayer meetings and were actively involved in testimony. They promoted traditions and social welfare. Because of these women, black children had schools to attend, Bond said.
“In a sense, they were the backbone of many of these churches,” she said.
Bond’s lecture was the first this semester in a speaker series called “History and Religion,” sponsored by the Student Activities Council and the History Department’s honor society Phi Alpha Theta.
“We live in an area where religion plays a major role in people’s lives,” said Jonathan Judaken, assistant professor of history and co-advisor for Phi Alpha Theta.
The purpose of the lectures is to get students to discuss issues that are important now and historically.
“We raise questions of race and identity,” he said. “Things that will get people hot, ready to discuss and debate.”
Judaken said Friday’s lecture was a key issue for a lot of women who were there.
“Her presentation has been enlightening,” said Debra Cummings, research and graduate school administrative assistant. “It will encourage so many women. It will be an inspiration for black women and students who are going into the ministry.”
Cummings said in her 10 years working for The University of Memphis, a speaker has never impacted her like Bond.
“I thought it was very empowering,” Judaken said. “The lectures have been a real success.”
Phi Alpha Theta has been on The U of M campus for four years. To be a member, a student must have taken 12 hours of history and have a 3.1 GPA in history and an overall 3.0 GPA.
“We have been reviving the society on campus,” Judaken said. “There have been hundreds and hundreds of students inducted over the last four years.”
The lectures are open to anyone who is interested in learning and discussing important topics in history. Students do not have to be members to attend.
About two years ago, SAC started funding money for free pizza and drinks for everyone who attends the lectures.
With the help of SAC, the lectures will continue to be successful, Judaken said. “Next year we’ll probably focus on war and struggle.”
