M2M Research Network Newsletter - June 2025
🌍 New Voices, Bold Wisdom, and the Truth About “Stepping Back”
Greetings M2M Research Network,
June has arrived—and with it, more clarity, more courage, and more connection.
In a world that often misreads our pauses and underestimates our purpose, this moment demands both insight and honesty. We’re listening closely to the needs of our community, and this month, we’re responding with programming, analysis, and reflection rooted in care, strategy, and truth.
Here’s what’s new and next:
🔥 What’s Happening in June?
✔️ New Blog Series: Economic Justice & Sacred Accountability
We’re launching a fresh blog series exploring the intersections of economic justice, spiritual formation, and communal ethics. What does it mean to live with integrity in systems that exploit? How do faith, resistance, and resource-sharing come together? We’ll dig deep—and challenge easy answers.
✔️ Stepping Back ≠ Stepping Away
Our latest commentary examines the growing conversations around Black women “stepping back” from political work for the sake of mental health and self-preservation. This month, we unpack the cultural critique and affirm what’s too often dismissed: rest is resistance, and refusal can be prophetic. Even among our own, these truths require reimagining.
✔️ Scholars’ Sacred Circle: A Pilot with Power
The Scholars’ Sacred Circle has officially launched—and the early response has been electric. With participants from across the globe and a range of theological, ethical, and ministerial traditions, the pilot program is exceeding expectations. Over 8 weeks, participants receive free access to academic proposal templates, slides, homework challenges, and community coaching—resources valued at 100 GBP/week. But more than tools, we’re building trust and a rhythm of mutual accountability. And this is just the beginning.
✔️ New Academic & Ministerial Profiles
We’re spotlighting Black scholars and faith leaders whose work reshapes how we think about justice, memory, and imagination. These new profiles will appear on our blog and across our social media throughout the month—amplifying voices we all need to hear more often.
📢 The Network Keeps Expanding—Because You Keep Showing Up
✔️ Podcasts & Field-Shaping Dialogue – Our latest interviews and audio content continue to center urgent wisdom from across the diaspora and the academy.
✔️ Funding & Fellowship News – Our curated updates include fellowships, job openings, and CFPs for scholars committed to justice-rooted inquiry.
✔️ Writing Support & Resource Vault – Missed a post? Our writing support series is still live, with tools and templates to help you stay grounded in your goals.
🚀 Coming Soon: Bridge Builders + Institutional Culture Change
Our Bridge Builders initiative is nearly here. Focused on transforming academic and ecclesial culture—not just tweaking it—it’s designed to support those shaping just institutions from the inside.
Want to bring us into your department, seminary, or center? Let’s talk.
🌟 Words of Wisdom: Still Guiding Us
We continue our monthly inspiration series with insights from ancestors, scholars, and spiritual leaders. Sometimes healing comes from hearing what you didn’t know you needed. Look for our June collection this week.
This Is Community—And It’s Growing On Purpose
Your presence matters. Your questions matter. And your scholarship? It’s more than personal—it’s prophetic. Let’s keep doing this work, together.
With gratitude,
Dr. Nash
Director, M2M Research Network