THE MINNS LECTURES
Minns Fall 2020 Series:
Summoning Our Sheroes
Qiyamah A. Rahman
June 28, 2020, UUA Virtual General Assembly
October 10 & 11, 2020, Chicago, IL
October 17 & 18, 2020, Atlanta, GA
Inspired by the Interfaith and social justice witness of our faith, Rev. Dr. Qiyamah Rahman is dedicating her research to reflect the diversely rich narratives of Unitarian Universalist Black Women. With a doctorate in Africana Women’s Studies, Rev. Dr. Rahman has conducted research on violence against women in Ghana, South Africa, and the US. Former Director of Contextual Ministry at Meadville Lombard, and past minister of the UU Fellowship of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Rev. Dr Rahman challenges us to remember our “sheroes” and live into the fullness of our tradition — from 1801, when Amy Scott signed as one of the incorporators of the First Universalist Society in Philadelphia, to the present.
Lecture 1 — The Presence of Black Women in Unitarian Universalism: Mining Historical Memory As a Tool Towards Liberation
The celebrations and tragedies of Black UU women’s lives must be captured if we are to be successful in decentering whiteness and living out our commitment to diversity in Unitarian Universalism. This research attempts to build on those celebrated Black UU women that some of us are already familiar with and also gathers the voices of everyday Black UU women.
Sunday, June 28 | 3:30–5:00 pm ET
UUA virtual General Assembly
Lecture 2 — Unpacking the Complex Identities of Black UU Women: Research As a Spiritual Tool
This research is based on the belief that we can bring Black UU women’s voices from the margin to the center of UUism and thus invite more diversity and communication. This research gathers and claims Black UU women’s stories and their reflections about UUism.
Saturday, October 10 | 6:30 pm CDT
Hosted on Zoom by First Unitarian Church of Chicago
Lecture 3 — Voices and Stories of Black UU Clergywomen
"We are hungry for the lessons of the past and for guidance toward the promise of the future." These are the words of Rev. Toni Vincent, the fourth Black woman ordained and fellowshipped as a UU minister. This presentation shares some of the voices and stories of Black UU clergywomen.
Saturday, October 17 | 6:30 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom by UU Congregation of Atlanta