M2M Research Network Newsletter - October 1, 2024
Greetings from the Misogynoir to Mishpat (M2M) Research Network! After our summer break, we are excited to kick off a new academic year. We enter this season with renewed energy and an unwavering commitment to supporting scholars, particularly those whose voices are often marginalized within the intersections of race, gender, class, and religion.
Supporting Independent Scholars, Especially African-Descended Women
One of the most pressing issues we aim to address is the under-representation of African-descended women in full-time academic positions, particularly within religious studies. These scholars contribute significantly to academic discourse, yet often face the precarious reality of navigating independent scholarship without the security of permanent positions.
At M2M, we are deeply committed to providing the support necessary to bridge this gap. Whether you are an early career researcher or a seasoned scholar operating outside traditional academic structures, we want you to know: you are not alone. Through our network, we offer resources, guidance, and community to help you thrive.
Stay tuned for more information on upcoming opportunities, including writing workshops, coaching, and seminars designed to fortify your skills and professional networks. These initiatives are part of our new program, "Strength in the Shadows," which is dedicated to empowering those on the fringes of academia.
This Month's Highlights
We are thrilled to share a wealth of new opportunities to support your academic journey:
Funding Opportunities
Explore current funding possibilities with institutions such as:
The British Academy
Bloomsbury Publishers
International Writing Workshops
And many more! These can help provide the financial support you need to continue your work.
Job Postings
We are committed to connecting you with opportunities in religious scholarship and academia, such as:
Lecturer in Biblical Studies at St. John’s College in Durham
Fellowship opportunities at Harvard University
Keep an eye on our resource section for more jobs and fellowships as they become available.
Podcasts for Academic Enrichment
We have been honored to share many podcasts such as, The Cosmic We, Harlem is Everywhere, and Black Girl Gone. We will continue to share many podcasts including these podcasts offering fresh perspectives on biblical studies, theology, and ethics:
The Bible for Normal People
Beyond the Womanist Classroom
These podcasts offer valuable insights, particularly for scholars working at the intersection of faith and social justice.
Additional Resources for Your Scholarship
Our resource hub will continue to feature:
Fellowships, scholarships, and academic grants: Find detailed information on upcoming deadlines and application processes.
Calls for Papers: Including journals like Global Black Thought and conferences like the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) Annual Meeting.
Academic Jobs: A regularly updated list of openings relevant to our network, helping you take the next step in your career.
We encourage you to share these opportunities within your networks, furthering our mission to support a vibrant academic community that uplifts the often-overlooked contributions of Black women scholars.
Upcoming Blogs and Discussions
For Americans, this is an important election year. With that in mind, we are sharing exciting content that delves into critical issues such as:
Black Women in Religious Leadership: Understanding the unique challenges faced by African-descended women in both academic and clergy roles.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): DEI as a transformative tool, not just a checkbox.
Ethics and Citizenship: Engaging with the ethical responsibilities we hold in light of our roles as scholars and citizens.
We hope these discussions will spark further dialogue and reflection within our network and beyond.

Final Thoughts
As we enter the last quarter of 2024, the M2M Research Network remains steadfast in our mission to provide nourishment, support, and opportunities for scholars who are often left out of mainstream academic spaces. We believe in the transformative power of your work, and we are here to help you flourish.
Please visit our website regularly for updates on seminars, coaching opportunities, and resources. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of academia as an independent scholar or are embedded within an institution, M2M is here to walk alongside you.
Warm regards,
Dr. Nash and The Misogynoir to Mishpat (M2M) Research Network © 2024