[Blog] BACS Explores Black Women’s Magic, Memory, and Faith with Dr. Lindsey Stewart

At Perkins School of Theology, the Black/Africana Church Studies (BACS) Program continues to deepen the academic and spiritual formation of students by offering transformative conversations at the intersection of theology, culture and the Black religious experience. Recently, the program, led by Director Dr. Michael Greene, hosted a virtual session featuring Dr. Lindsey Stewart, associate professor of philosophy at the University of Memphis and author of “The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic.”

The event brought together students, faculty, and members of the broader SMU community for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about the complex layers of Black spirituality.

Highlighting Black Women’s Spiritual Traditions

Dr. Stewart’s research examines the often unrecognized spiritual practices rooted in the lives of Black women and the ways those practices have shaped American religious and cultural landscapes. Her work opens doors for deeper inquiry into ritual, folklore, healing traditions and the resilience of Black women across centuries.

Dr. Greene noted that her scholarship resonates strongly with the mission of BACS.

“Her work clearly aligns with BACS’ general thrust to deepen and thereby enrich our understanding of the breadth of expressions of Black religious beliefs and practices,” he said.

A Deepened Understanding of Black Religious Practice

One of the most meaningful takeaways from the event was the rich conversation that emerged around the African roots of Black religious life.

“Perhaps the greatest outcome of the event was to provoke discussion and reflection on the ways in which the Black appropriation and practice of Christianity has been at least partially shaped by religious and spiritual traditions of West and Central Africa,” Greene said.

This dialogue encouraged participants to reflect on the multiplicity and depth of Black Christian expression—an ongoing theme of the BACS Program.

Strengthening the Bridge Between Scholarship and Community

A core aim of BACS is to connect academic inquiry with the lived experience of the Black Church, nonprofit agencies and justice-oriented ministries.

According to Dr. Greene, “Engagement with Black religious leaders, pastors, and scholars connects the Academy with the Church and provides a forum within which we can explore the historical role that Black religious institutions played—and continue to play—in the realization of civil, political, and economic rights.”

The session with Dr. Stewart embodied that goal by fostering a conversation that was both intellectually stimulating and pastorally grounded.

What’s Next for BACS

The program continues to build momentum with two upcoming virtual events in December:

Dec. 4, 2025, 7 p.m. CST

Dr. Drew G.I. Hart, professor of theology at Messiah University, will discuss Anablacktivism, his call for blending Anabaptist peace traditions with the prophetic urgency of Black theology.

Dec. 11, 2025

In partnership with the Black Student Alliance at Perkins, BACS will host “Transcendence in Troubled Times: Post-Modern Spirituals and AZUSA” featuring musician, composer, and speaker Tyrone Birkett, known for connecting artistry, spirituality, and social justice.

Get Involved

Students, alumni, and community members interested in supporting or participating in the BACS Program can reach out to Dr. Michael Greene at mgreene@mail.smu.edu.