Have you ever answered a call that changed your life? That’s what I thought after first speaking with Kwame over Messenger in 2020. During that time, I was smack in the middle of another crisis of faith and theology, unlearning all that held me in bondage under the guise of religion. Kwame embraced my questions and confusion with patience and humor. Since then, she’s become one of my sisters I run to when that ole time religion begins to bring up old wounds. She’s real, she’s raw, she’s everything. Read more of our conversation below.
1. What does “Reverend” mean to you? What responsibilities does the honorific hold to your audience and how they approach you and your work?
The title means one who can be identified as a sacred, ordained leader in religious or spiritual spaces. That means I am called to share sacred words, comforting prayers, lead conversations towards theological and practical continuing education that empower people towards work, justice/liberation work. I am called to journey with people in times of sadness, of despair, of challenge and of joy. I am to use my educational and academic privilege to address and push back on the principalities and powers with regard to unjust laws, systemic racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism in the wider breadth of humanity and community.
2. You sat on the phone with me for over an hour during our first meeting. In your teachings, how do you know what to say and how do you decompress after heavy conversations?
It depends on what the conversation concerns and whether a person needs a listening ear (active listening), they just want to vent or they have theological and/or spiritual questions that they would like to discuss. Part of it is also letting Spirit lead and after a heavy conversation, I usually go do something physically active-walk, do laundry or dishes or turn on music and just breathe.
3. God is a woman. As She teaches her daughters, what has She taught you that you want to share with the world?
Self-Care is extremely important. Self-care and self-love. That we were birthed into this word for multi-purposes and a variety of paths. That we are loved, just as we are. That we can fight for civil, human rights and liberation. That we can celebrate Her and connect with Her in a million different ways and they are all valid-provided they emulate divine harmony.
4. Being of a multifaith background, which teachings call out to you first and how do you navigate each to find your footing?
Being rooted in the Psalms, in the commandment of loving one another, actively: that means caring for, advocating for, fighting for one another. The ritual practices of being at several different altars during the week and those prayers. The ancient name I carry and the responsibilities that come with it. The wisdom of my Ancestors and the teachings of my Elders in these oral, sacred traditions.
5. What items do you carry with you daily?
Florida water, wearing my elekes, cascarilla.
6. As more Black people turn from Abrahamic religion, what words of wisdom would you bestow to take with them on their journeys of unlearning and rediscovery?
First, please consult your Ancestors/Eggun/Muertos: They are listening and guiding and speaking. Do your research, construct an ancestral altar and just have those conversations with them. Share your spiritual journey with people you trust and seek out good, grounded communities.
7. What do you have in the works that the world should know about?
My Master’s thesis, I am hoping to expand on it and have it published! Working on building a class surrounding my scholarship and research, as well.
Kwame has found herself immersed in justice movements surrounding transformative and revolutionary change. Her name is a dedication to a collective ancestor, Kwame NKrumah, first president of Ghana. It is also a reminder to her of the responsibility and the accountability she has towards her Ancestors which she holds in high stead, and to the journey of multiple faith belonging that she finds herself immersed. As ordained clergy in the Christian church, Kwame serves in a Pastoral leadership role in the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA, moving to WNY in September 2019; she is also Campus Pastor for LuMin Campus Ministries of WNY and continued her faith clergy activism locally. Kwame identifies as a Womanist practical theologian. Kwame’s journey into ATR began over 10 years ago, guided, and confirmed through her Ancestors and continues her training as an initiate into Santeria under the guidance of her Padrino (Baba Luis) and her Madrina (Iya Mariluz).
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