Women and religion in the African diaspora

By Barbara Dianne Savage

Book Description

This groundbreaking scholarly collection illuminates the rich spiritual lives of women across the African diaspora, revealing how faith has shaped their everyday experiences and extraordinary contributions. Through newly commissioned essays, readers encounter the diverse religious practices of women from North America, the Caribbean, Brazil, and Africa, discovering the profound connections between spirituality, identity, and cultural survival.

The volume examines how women have navigated Christian denominations, African and Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions, and Islam, serving as spiritual leaders, artists, musicians, preachers, and devoted participants in faith communities. These stories unfold against the backdrop of historical trauma and resilience, exploring how memories of suffering have been transformed through religious expression and community building.

Rather than focusing solely on institutional religion, the collection ventures into the broader landscape of spiritual practice, examining how women have created and sustained sacred spaces beyond traditional boundaries. The essays reveal patterns of leadership, creativity, and resistance that emerge when women, religion, and diaspora intersect across different cultures and time periods.

With its transnational perspective and innovative analytical approaches, this work challenges conventional frameworks for understanding spirituality in diasporic communities. Readers seeking deeper insight into the intersection of gender, faith, and cultural identity will find fresh perspectives on how spiritual practices continue to evolve and adapt across generations and geographical boundaries.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)

📄 Length: 374 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore African diaspora
✓ Explore Diaspora
✓ Explore Religion
✓ Explore Orishas
✓ Explore Religious life and customs
✓ Explore Schwarze Frau
✓ Explore Candomble (Religion)
✓ Explore Women and religion

Topics Covered

African diaspora Diaspora Religion Orishas Religious life and customs Schwarze Frau Candomble (Religion) Women and religion Godsdienst Vrouwen African American women Afrikanen Garifuna (Caribbean people)