The Secular is Divine, and the Divine is Secular - Black People's Experiences with and Amongst Nature as Spiritual Praxis, As Preserved by Black Women

Malik Raymond, Purdue University

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the relationship between nature, spirituality, and customary performance practiced within USian Black communities as articulated by the stories of Black women. The customary performance entails song, dance, writing, artwork, film, and oral histories that occur within or amongst “nature” (i.e., non-human living entities such as flora and fauna as well as non-living entities (rivers, dirt, etc.) which constitute specific ecologies/ecosystems) that has historical tracings to similar customs and rites performed by various West African groups centuries prior. Analyzing that relationship reveals that Black performance and traditions are inherently tied to interactions with “nature” that is significantly shaped by various Black spiritual practices. Therefore, any analysis of Black experiences with nature must discuss the different spiritualities Black folks adopted and practiced over the centuries consisting of historical recoveries and continuations within their respective communities. This thesis focuses primarily on 20th and 21stcentury Black women who trace their ecowomanist (or eco-spiritual depending on the person) principles to their ancestors of decades and centuries prior.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

McMullen, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Spirituality|African American Studies|Black studies|Womens studies

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