Duke Divinity School doctoral student Kaiya Jennings will present an exhibition at the institution, photographing the testimonies of black women pastors. The exhibition, titled On the Shoulders of Our Sister!, will be available on the chapel’s website according to Duke Today.
Jennings is a Baptist pastor and an adjunct professor. She is also a faith and service coordinator at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia where she has been influenced by African American women pastors in her community.
“There are countless faithful African American women in Virginia, who have been called and affirmed to pastor churches or to lead as staff pastors and community liaisons, even though they face much opposition due to race, gender, and sexuality,” she said. “This exhibition will show how African American clergywomen are leading and living out their callings within the church and the community,”
The director of Religious Life, Rev. Kathryn Lester-Bacon, led the decision to select Jennings to serve as the C. Eric Lincoln Fellow to honor the Duke Divinity’s School late professor.
“Through these photos and prayers, Jennings amplifies often-unheralded models of spiritual leadership, models that are innovated by these Black women clergy in communities across Virginia today,” Lester-Bacon said. “In this exhibit, we take another step towards giving these spiritual leaders the honor they are due.”
Jennings also talked about her inspiration in contributing to the exhibition. “It is my desire that through this exhibition, people will be able to see themselves in the stories and work of these Black clergywomen in such a way that it challenges their faith and grows their love for all humanity,” she said. “It will show how, despite the obstacles that have tried to block them, these women are still standing, leading and pressing to build a more inclusive community.”
For more information “On The Shoulders of Our Sisters Exhibition!’ follow the Duke Today page.