Dear alumni/ae and friends,
Vanderbilt Divinity School has been fortunate to be one of the co-hosts of the Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice, an acclaimed multimedia art exhibit that is here at Vanderbilt University through May 2025. On display in our lobby are portraits depicting Rev. Pauli Murray (1910-1985): poet, activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest who spent a lifetime fighting for justice, equality, and human dignity. VDS honors so many of the moral and ethical commitments that Rev. Murray embodied.
Along with Emory University's Dr. Carol E. Henderson, I was fortunate to serve on a panel discussing Murray’s book, Dark Testament: and Other Poems. And I got to share one of my favorite facts about Murray’s life: the decision to enter Divinity School and seek ordination to the priesthood while in her 60’s. This fact alone is a beautiful testament to Murray’s incredible life and legacy.
It’s never too late to pursue a vocational calling. It’s never too late for a fresh start. It’s never too late to follow a passion. It’s never too late to immerse yourself in a new field, or a new work, or a new project, or a new degree program. As I think about Murray’s life, the words of Isaiah 43:19 echo in my heart: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” May we all continue, as Rev. Murray modeled, to continually immerse ourselves in the newness of life.
Best,
Yolanda Pierce, Ph.D.
Dean
Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair
Professor of Religion & Literature
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Take our VDS Virtual Tour to discover key locations and resources, including the Divinity Library and the James Lawson Institute.
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A recent News Channel 5 feature highlights how many Vanderbilt Divinity School students—especially mid-career professionals—are pursuing theological education for nontraditional careers. While some will lead congregations, others apply their studies to fields like medicine, technology, and social advocacy.
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Join us for a morning of fellowship and reflection at VDS Giving Day on April 10, 8:30 a.m. in the Reading Room. Led by Rev. Dr. Stephen Emanuel Handy Sr., this event will explore leadership, generosity, and self-care. Enjoy breakfast, connect with the VDS community, and celebrate the power of giving in all its forms.
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In this interview, Dean Yolanda Pierce discusses her new book, The Wounds Are the Witness, exploring the intersections of politics, faith, and justice. She emphasizes the importance of remembering painful histories and the role of the Black church in inspiring hope and action for social change.
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Join us to celebrate A Trans Day of Visibility, featuring Vivian Blaxell discussing her book, Worthy of the Event, featuring a conversation on Blaxell’s exploration of trans life, history, and philosophy. This event is open to the community.
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Andrew Krinks', MTS'13, PhD'19, new book White Property, Black Trespass: Racial Capitalism and the Religious Function of Mass Criminalization examines the existential, mythological, and religious functions of mass criminalization.
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Join the James Lawson Institute on March 27, 4 p.m. in the Reading Room for the spring Symposium for Change training, an evening of learning and action with artists, activists, and scholars. Explore strategic next steps in the ongoing struggle for social justice. Community meal to follow.
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Join VDS and Dialogue Vanderbilt on March 28, 4 p.m. in the Reading Room for a Convening on Housing Justice, featuring Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and local experts. Moderated by Dean Yolanda Pierce, this discussion will explore efforts to support our unhoused neighbors.
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Explore how queerness reimagines death, loss, and grief in this collaborative symposium with Larkspur Conservation and the Carpenter Program on April 4, 10:30 a.m–3:30 p.m. in the Reading Room. Join us for a panel, workshops on creativity and ritual, and a shared meal. Space is limited.
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