News and Announcements

Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion
The Steering Committee of the Afro-American Religious History Group of the AAR has announced the following program for the annual meeting to be held in Nashville, November 18-21, 1999

Monday 9:00 am-11:30 am
Theme: A Panel Discussion of A Fire You Can't Put Out: The Civil Rights Life of Birmingham's Fred Shuttlesworth, by Andrew M. Manis
(joint session with the North American Religions Section)

Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, Colby College, Presiding

Panelists: Merrill M. Hawkins, Carson-Newman College
Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan, Graduate Theological Union
Charles Marsh, University of Virginia
Sandy Dwayne Martin, University of Georgia

Respondent: Andrew M. Manis, Macon State College

Monday 1:00 pm-3:30 pm
Theme: Black Baptists and Pentecostals

Daphne C. Wiggins, Duke University, Presiding

Lawrence H. Williams, Luther College
The Ubiquitous William J. Simmons: Pioneer Black Baptist

Albert Avant, Temple University
The Social Teachings of the Progressive National Baptist Convention during the Civil Rights Movement, 1961-1970

Anthea Butler, Loyola Marymount University
Dress As Becometh Holiness: Clothing As Theological Metaphor in the Afro-American Pentecostal Tradition

Clarence E. Hardy, Rollins College
Charles Harrison Mason and the "Fanatics": The Development of Black Pentecostalism As Black Biblical Magic

Respondent: William C. Turner, Jr., Duke University

Monday 3:45 pm-6:15 pm
Theme: Religion, Race, and Culture in the African-American Community

Juan M. Floyd-Thomas, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Presiding

Will Gravely, University of Denver
Race, Truth, and Reconciliation in the United States: Reflections on Desmond Tutu's Proposal

Edward Curtis, Trinity University
Why Malcolm X Never Developed an Islamic Approach to Civil Rights

Sylvester A. Johnson, Union Theological Seminary, NY
Race, Gender, Nation, and Divine Identities: The Weal and Woes of Ethiopianism in Late Nineteenth-Century African American Religious Thought

Stephen G. Ray, Jr., Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Not all Black and White: African-American Christian History and the Politics of Historical Identity

Respondent: Mary R. Sawyer, Iowa State University

Business Meeting Stephen Ward Angell, Florida A&M University, Presiding

 

Academic Positions:

Emory University, Department of Religion, seeks a position at the rank of assistant professor in African American Religions. Candidates should have the PhD in hand or near completion by the time of appointment. Appointments at a senior rank will be considered under extraordinary circumstances. The successful candidate will hold a position jointly with the African American Studies program. The committee seeks scholarly strength in any field of African American Religious Studies. We would especially welcome work in the area of comparative religious traditions (indigenous and world religions); theologies and religious practices of the African diaspora, the interface between African American thought and religious studies. It is expected that the candidate would be qualified to teach in the general religious studies curriculum; contribute to survey courses in African American Studies; and conduct doctoral seminars within the Graduate Division of Religion. The scholar who is appointed may also contribute to other emphases in religious studies, such as the Comparative Sacred Texts Program, the Comparative Studies track within the Graduate Division of Religion, and/or the Institute for Women's Studies. Review begins Nov. 1st, 2000; the search will remain open until the position is filled. Please send your dossier to Professor Laurie L. Patton, Chair, Department of Religion, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322. The committee will interview selected applicants at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (November 18th-21st). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Emory University is an AA/EEO employer.

Harvard University Divinity School, Women's Studies in Religion Program, announces several full-time positions as Research Associate and Visiting Lecturer in Women's Studies in Religion for 2001-02. Full-time residence during the '01-'02 academic year while conducting proposed individual research projects for publication, design and teaching of a one- semester course related to research project in the appropriate Divinity School department: Hebrew Bible, New Testament, History of Christianity, History of Religion, Theology, Ethics, or Religion and Society. The positions are open to candidates with doctorates in religion, to those with primary competence in other fields of the humanities and the social sciences who have serious interest in religion, and to leading religion professionals with equivalent achievements. Salary: $40,000 plus benefits. Completed applications must be received by November 15, 2000. Information and application forms may be requested from Dr. Ann Braude, Director of Women's Studies in Religion, Harvard Divinity School, 45 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Louisiana State University, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, seeks candidates for a position in traditional African, Afro-Caribbean, and/or African American religions to begin August 15, 2001. A Ph.D. in Religious Studies or related field is required. Candidates should be able to teach introductory and upper division courses in the theoretical study of religion at the undergraduate level as well as to develop and to teach undergraduate courses in at least two of the specialty areas named above. Applicants should send a CV, three letters of recommendation, and dossier to Rodger Payne, Religious Studies Search Committee, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Reference number 012697 Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Deadline for applications is November 1, 2000 (for candidates wishing to interview at the AAR meeting) or until the position is filled. AA/EOE.

Morehouse College. The Howard Thurman Papers Project, a research project of The Leadership Center at Morehouse College, is seeking two Assistant Editors. The purpose of the Howard Thurman Papers Project is to assemble the documentary record of African-American theologian and social critic Dr. Howard Thurman (1899-1981), and to make it available to a diverse public. Assistant Editors will perform all editorial work associated with preparation of the volumes for review by the Editor and Consulting Editors. This work includes supervision and proofreading; drafting headnotes, footnotes, and other forms of annotation; and preparing calendars and indexes. A Research Associate will be assigned to work closely with each full-time Assistant Editor to provide research in various areas of editorial work as needed. Requirements: Ph.D. or ABD in History, African-American Studies or a related field. Knowledge and/or experience in documentation and archives. Strong writing skills and the ability to work collegial with other editors are essential. Send cover letter, current vitae, sample writing, and the name, phone number, mailing address, and e-mail address of three references to: Dr. Walter Earl Fluker, Morehouse College, 830 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 03134. Hthurman@morehouse.edu. Morehouse College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Northwestern University, the Program of African Studies, invites applications for a full-time, open-rank faculty position in the study of African Thought, with an emphasis on Religion, Philosophy, or Intellectual History, with appointment to begin September 1, 2001. Candidates whose training is in any relevant discipline are welcome to apply. The incumbent would join a diverse Africanist faculty that is actively engaged in graduate and undergraduate interdisciplinary training and inter-areal study, and is expected to participate in the activities of the Program of African Studies and his or her home department. Candidates should submit a letter of application, current vitae, examples of written work, and the names and contact information of three references, to: Chair, 'African Thought' Search, Program of African Studies, Northwestern University, 620 Library Place, Evanston, IL 60208-4110, U.S.A. In order to ensure full consideration, applications must be received by November 17, 2000. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action educator and employer and especially invites applications from women and minorities.

Stetson University, Department of Religious Studies invites applications for a tenure-track appointment to begin Fall 2001. Candidates should be competent to teach introductory courses in religious studies and should have a specialty in one or more of the following religious traditions: Latin and Caribbean, Native American, African-American, South Asian, or Roman Catholic. The position will be at the assistant professor level. Preference will be given to candidates who will have received their Ph.D. by September 2001 and who have evidence of excellence in teaching. Stetson University is a private university committed to excellence in teaching. The university aims to infuse liberal education with the values of religious and spiritual life, ethical decision-making, human diversity and commonality, gender equity, community service, and environmental responsibility. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by November 1, 2000, but will be accepted until the position is filled. Send letter of application, which addresses teaching experience, research interests, and areas of teaching competency, and provide a statement of philosophy of teaching in a liberal arts college to: Mitchell G. Reddish, Chair, Department of Religious Studies, Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 8354, DeLand, FL 32720-3757. Candidates should request that official academic transcripts and at least three letters of recommendation also be sent to this address. Stetson University, an equal opportunity employer, affirms the values and goals of diversity and strongly encourages applications from women and candidates from groups historically underrepresented in higher education.

University of Missouri - Columbia announces two tenure-track positions in the Department of Religious Studies, preferably at the assistant professor level. Applications in the following three areas will be accepted. (1) Religions in America, with a specialization in African American or Native American religious traditions. (2) History of Christianity, with specialization in the medieval and early modern periods. We prefer someone able to teach western and eastern Christianity with awareness of the impact of other religions on the development of Christianity. (3) South Asian religions, with a specialization in classical Hinduism. We prefer someone who can also teach Islam. All candidates must show distinct promise of research productivity and the potential for excellence in teaching. A doctorate completed by August, 2001, is preferred. Teaching responsibilities include four courses per academic year and close work with undergraduate and graduate students. The courses will range from introductory undergraduate classes to masters-level graduate courses. The two appointments will begin August 15, 2001. Send letter of application, CV, and three letters of recommendation to: Steven Friesen, Chair, Department of Religious Studies, University of Missouri. 405 GCB, Columbia, MO 65211-4140. Recent Ph.D.'s should also arrange for copies of transcripts to be sent. Screening will begin with applications received by October 16, 2000. We will be interviewing invited candidates in November at the AAR/SBL annual meetings in Nashville. The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 573-882-4769 (e-mail: rsinfo@missouri.edu).

University of North Carolina at Greensboro seeks to fill a position in Religious Studies, rank open (assistant through full professor), starting August 2001. The position carries with it broad teaching responsibilities including courses in African-American Religions. Secondary competencies might include African religions; Afro-Caribbean religions; the encounters of Africans and their descendants with various traditions in North America (e.g., Islam, Judaism, Native American, Neo-African movements). The department seeks a person with commitments to active research and undergraduate education in the tradition of the liberal arts. Candidates should have an interest in contributing to interdisciplinary programs, and should be able to move beyond denominational history to include women's studies, folklore, cultural or performance studies approaches in both research and teaching. Please send CV and three letters of reference by November 7 to Ben Ramsey, Chair of African-American Religions Search Committee, Department of Religious Studies, 108 Foust Building, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina 27402-6170. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply. UNCG is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA:W/M/V/D

 

Grants and Fellowships:

Princeton's Center for the Study of American Religion's project on Religion, Race and Gender in American History and Among People of African Descent (pending final authorization of funding), announces a postdoctoral research opportunity for the 2001-2002 academic year to support a junior scholar's project. Doctorate in any relevant field. The position requires no teaching but includes participation in a weekly worskshop involving fellows and graduate students as well as faculty members. The position may supplement leave support already secured or fund a leave directly. To apply, submit CV, 2 letters of recommendation, a 3-5 page proposal, and a published or unpublished paper relevant to the study of religion and race. Applications are due postmarked no later than February 15, 2001. Contact CSR, Princeton University, 5 Ivy Lane, Princeton, NJ 08544; (609) 258-5545; askline@princeton.edu.

Rockefeller Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships in Race Rockefeller Foundation
Postdoctoral Fellowships in Race and Gender in the Mid-South Fellowship Date: 2001-01-15
The University of Memphis, Center for Research on Women (CROW), is offering residential postdoctoral fellowships, financed by the Rockefeller Foundation, to scholars studying race and gender in the mid-South. We are particularly interested in proposals that demonstrate close familiarity with the social context of the mid-South and that approach race and gender as dynamic relationships of contestation and power. Scholars may apply for up to $30,000 in financial support for one academic year (September-May). Funds are also available for travel and health insurance. Fellows are expected to be in residence at CROW, where they receive office space and clerical support. The application deadline for Fall 2001 fellowships is January 15, 2001. Contact: Center for Research on Women, Clement Hall 339, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, or e-mail us at crow@memphis.edu.

Conferences and Calls for Papers:

The Western Journal of Black Studies seeks papers for a special issue on the theme "Black Studies: New Directions and Trends" for its Fall 2001 issue. Deadline for final submission of papers is May 31, 2001. Any recent topic in the field is welcome, especially those which focus on forging new relationships and re-interpreting past studies or methodologies. Papers which focus on gender roles, child socialization, masculinity, critical race theory, the relationship between Black Studies and multiculturalism, new interpretations of slavery and law, criminal justice, black women's studies, and the relation between gay/lesbian studies and Black Studies and other themes are also sought for this special issue of the journal. Submit all abstracts by January 1, 2001. Final papers due May 31, 2001. Only unpublished papers can be considered. See previous issues of the journal for guidelines and submit papers in APA format in triplicate (original with cover containing contact information and two blind copies), along with return postage to: Bill Stanford Pincheon Associate Editor Western Journal of Black Studies 111 Wilson Hall Washington State University Pullman, WA 99164-4010 Abstracts may be submitted to the above address or sent to the following email address: pincheon@mail.wsu.edu.

Callaloo seeks papers for a special issue on the theme "Black Masculinity" for an upcoming issue to appear in 2002. Submit abstracts or papers by March 1, 2001. The deadline for final paper submission is July 1, 2001. The issue will be guest edited by Stephanie Brown (Columbia University) and Bill Stanford Pincheon (Washington State University). Interdisciplinary papers which focus critically on constructions of black masculinity in literature, theatre, music, film, etc., and the relationship between black masculinity and African American Studies are sought for this issue. We also welcome papers focusing on narratives, sexuality and stereotypes, authenticity, black men and critical race theory, black men and the law, black men and the blues aesthetic, masculine constructions of Ellison, Wright, Baldwin, Hansberry, Walker, Morrison, Mosely and August Wilson and others, and reviews of recent anthologies and historical monographs on black men are sought for this special issue of the journal. Only unpublished papers can be considered. Papers on black men in the African Diaspora are welcome. Use MLA format and submit papers in triplicate (original with cover letter containing contact information, and two blind copies) along with return postage to: Bill Stanford Pincheon Guest Editor, "Black Masculinities" Department of Comparative American Cultures 111 Wilson Hall Washington State University Pullman, WA 99164-4010 Abstracts may be submitted to the above address or sent to either of the following email addresses: pincheon@mail.wsu.edu or slb33@columbia.edu.

 

Recent Books

Jonathan Birnbaum, Civil Rights Since 1787: A Reader on the Black Struggle (NYU, 2000).

David Buisseret and Steven G. Reinhardt, eds., Creolization in the Americas (Texas A & M, 2000).

Richard J. Douglass-Chin, Preacher Woman Sings the Blues: The Autobiographies of Nineteenth-Century African American Evangelists (Missouri, 2000).

Erskine Clarke, Wrestlin' Jacob : A Portrait of Religion in Antebellum Georgia and the Carolina Low Country (Alabama,2000).

Janet L. Coryell, Thomas H. Appleton, Jr., Anastatia Sims, and Sandra Gioia Treadway, eds., Negotiating Boundaries of Southern Womanhood: Dealing with the Powers That Be (Missiouri, 2000).

Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats (Random House, 2000).

Michael O.Emerson, Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (Oxford, 2000).

Eddie S. Glaude, Jr., Exodus!: Religion, Race, and Nation in Early Nineteenth-Century Black America (Chicago, 2000).

Gwendolyn Midlo Hall, Databases for the Study of Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy, 1699-1860 (CD-ROM) (LSU, 2000).

Robin D.G. Kelley and Earl Lewis, To Make Our World Anew: A History of African Americans (Oxford, 2000).

Lawrence S. Little, Disciples of Liberty: The African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Age of Imperialism, 1884-1916 (Tennessee, 2000).

Tracy Elaine K'Meyer, Interracialism and Christian Community in the Postwar South: The Story of Koinonia Farm (Virginia, 2000).

John W. Pulis, Religion, Diaspora and Cultural Identity: A Reader in the Anglophone Caribbean (Gordon and Breach, 1999).

Larry G. Murphy, ed., Down By the Riverside: Readings in African American Religion (NYU, 2000).

Mark Newman, Getting Right With God: Southern Baptists and Desegregation, 1945-1995 (Alabama, 2000).

Stephen J. Ochs, A Black Patriot and a White Priest: Andri Cailloux and Claude Paschal Maistre in Civil War New Orleans (LSU, 2000).

Belinda Robnett, How Long? How Long? African-American Women in the Struggle for Civil Rights (Oxford, 2000).

Mark David Wood, Cornel West and the Politics of Prophetic Pragmatism (Illinois, 2000).

Dissertations

Adonijah L. Bakari, "The Role of the African Spiritualists in the Transition from Africa to America," Temple University, 1999.

James B. Bennett, "Religion and the Rise of Jim Crow in New Orleans," Yale University, 1999.

Joanna Brooks, Works of the Spirit: American Literatures and Religious cultures, 1771-1797," UCLA, 1999.

Ann Louise Coble, " 'A Demonstration Plot for the Kingdom of God': Koinonia Farm as Clarence Jordan's Incarnated Interpretation of the New Testament," St. Louis University, 1999.

Karen Halil, "Conjuring Power in Caribbean and African-American Literature," University of Alberta, 1999.

Crystal Jones Lucky, " Without Holiness ... Free Black Women's Spiritual Narratives of the Nineteenth Century," University of Pennsylvania, 1999.

Adrianne Morton-Christmas, "An Ethnographic Study of an African American Pentecostal-Holiness Church in the 1990s: An Exploration of Free Space, Empowerment and Alternative Education," State University of New York at Buffalo, 2000.

Stephanie D. Powell, "Using the Sense God gave ya': The Prominence of Motherwit in the Fiction of African American Southern Women Writers," The Florida State University, 1999.

Raymond Ronald Sommerville, Jr. "The Evolution of 'Colored' Methodism: The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 1954--1968," Vanderbilt University, 1999.

Sabrina Diane Williams, "African-American Religious Experience and Political Participation in an Urban Setting," Wayne State University, 1999.

 

 

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