Why Black Women Are Essential to Theological Education and Its Future
The Sistah Scholars Pilot Program isn’t just about fairness—it’s about preserving and strengthening religious education itself. Black women offer unique strengths that make their contributions invaluable:
Spiritual Insight: As the fastest-growing Christian demographic, Black women’s theological reflections directly shape modern faith narratives.
Diverse Perspectives: Black women scholars explore complex intersections of race, gender, faith, and justice, broadening theological discourse.
Countering Extremism: Their work provides nuanced, historical, and culturally relevant responses to rising religious extremism.
Cultural Competence: Black women offer multi-generational, community-based approaches that foster inclusion and transformation in religious education.
Without the inclusion and compensation of Black women’s voices, seminaries and religion departments risk continued closures and diminished impact.
Ending the Addiction to Free Labor: Why Compensation Matters
The myth of unpaid labor being “for the greater good” often masks systemic inequities that undervalue Black women’s intellectual and spiritual work.
“We can’t afford to pay” is not a justification—it’s a choice.
Unpaid labor reinforces financial instability and professional burnout.
Compensating labor ensures the sustainability of academic programs.
The Sistah Scholars Pilot Program recognizes that financial equity is essential to justice. By ensuring Black women are paid for their time and expertise, this program challenges the systemic devaluation of their work.
The Power of Financial Independence
True empowerment goes beyond visibility—it requires financial freedom. The Sistah Scholars Pilot Program is committed to helping Black women:
Reclaim their time by refusing unpaid commitments.
Define their worth by securing paid fellowships and speaking engagements.
Create lasting change through paid academic and public scholarship opportunities.
This program fosters community and nourishment, ensuring that Black women are not just supported—but thrive.
Join the Sistah Scholars Pilot Program Today
The time for change is now. The Sistah Scholars Pilot Program offers a rare opportunity for Black women to reclaim their time, labor, and financial independence—while transforming the landscape of religious and academic spaces.
Applications will open January 25, 2025.
The program officially begins on February 12th.
Black women scholars and religious leaders are encouraged to apply.
Ready to break the cycle of free labor?
Join a community where your contributions are valued, your labor is compensated, and your voice is amplified. Moreover, join a community where we also teach you to become independent of academic compensation.
👉 Apply now for Sistah Scholars and join us starting February 12th.
While the Sistah Scholars Pilot Program focuses on individual empowerment, systemic change requires institutional accountability. In the next article, we’ll explore how the Bridge Builders Pilot Program is partnering with universities, seminaries, and faith-based organizations to create sustainable equity for Black women scholars.
Together, we can build a future where Black women’s expertise isn’t just acknowledged—it’s compensated and celebrated. Stay tuned.
Dr. Nash, The Misogynoir to Mishpat (M2M) Research Network © 2025