Walking through the Valley

Emilie M. Townes is Distinguished Professor of Womanist Ethics and Society and Dean of Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Stacey Floyd-Thomas is Associate Professor of Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Alison P. Gise-Johnson is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Claflin University. Angela D. Sims is President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.

“This book explores the extraordinary thought and practice of Katie Geneva Cannon who, in the closing decades of the twentieth century, founded the unique field of womanist ethics grounded in its own distinctive methodology for the study of moral agency among black women seeking justice and freedom for themselves, their families, and their respective communities. The authors of these essays clearly demonstrate the long-term impact of Katie Cannon’s creative thought on the academic study of religion in America.” —Peter J. Paris, Elmer G. Homrighausen Professor, Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary“This luminous book carries forward the womanist ethical thought and teaching legacy of Katie Geneva Cannon in her brilliant, caring, scholarly, brave spirit—a labor of love and gratitude from the four womanist editors and thirteen womanist writers who have gifted us with it.” —Gary Dorrien, author of A Darkly Radiant Vision: The Black Social Gospel in the Shadow of MLK“Katie Cannon was ‘the’ womanist mother, mentor, heroine, pathbreaker, and saint. The women here gathered carry forward her torch to widening circles of sisters, daughters, partners, and allies. It is an honor to sing their praises. Their triumph over Black women’s historic suffering is hard won, not secure. Yet this book’s chapters radiate joy, power, solidarity, and compassionate love. These voices speak truth to recalcitrance, and strengthen all strugglers, seekers, and freedom-loving spirits in the name of Black womanhood. Anyone committed to racial equality, gender equality, or politically creative theology will be captivated by Walking through the Valley.” —Lisa Sowle Cahill, J. Donald Monan, S.J., Professor of Theology, Boston College“Walking Through the Valley is simultaneously a much-deserved recognition of the enduring influence of Katie Geneva Cannon’s work, and a creative, inspiring, luminous next step in the journey of womanist ethics. This collection of essays is groundbreaking both in content and approach, and essential reading for Christian ethics today.” —David P. Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics, Mercer University