In August 2020, the Society of Biblical Literature's Black Scholars Matter Task Force and its Committee on Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Profession hosted a groundbreaking #Black Scholars Matter virtual symposium. This book collects the presentations of the twelve leading Africana scholars featured in that event. Representing various institutional settings-research universities, free-standing seminaries, Historically Black Theological Institutions-they share perspectives on biblical studies and their experiences in the discipline. In part 1, six presenters address the theme "Visions and Struggles." In part 2, six others approach the topic of "Lessons and Hopes." In part 3, eight additional contributors with administrative and decision-making responsibilities in theological and other settings address "Accountability and Next Steps."

In August 2020, the Society of Biblical Literature's Black Scholars Matter Task Force and its Committee on Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Profession hosted a groundbreaking #Black Scholars Matter virtual symposium. This book collects the presentations of the twelve leading Africana scholars featured in that event. Representing various institutional settings-research universities, free-standing seminaries, Historically Black Theological Institutions-they share perspectives on biblical studies and their experiences in the discipline. In part 1, six presenters address the theme "Visions and Struggles." In part 2, six others approach the topic of "Lessons and Hopes." In part 3, eight additional contributors with administrative and decision-making responsibilities in theological and other settings address "Accountability and Next Steps."