New Directions in the Study of Black Atlantic Religions

Robin Derby
History
UC Los Angeles

Patrick Polk
World Arts & Cultures
UC Los Angeles

Katherine Smith
World Arts & Cultures
UC Los Angeles

This working group focuses on religious traditions that are crucial to the lives of millions of people in Africa and the African Americas. This multidisciplinary group assesses critically the current state of scholarship on Black Atlantic belief systems and theorizes new methodologies and analytic orientations for comparative and regional studies. Its objective is to expand UC’s historical role as a hub for the study of Black Atlantic religions by fostering dialogue and collaboration amongst a new generation of scholars. It explores where new research is needed, ways to develop new methods, what new theoretical paradigms are available, and carefully consider how we as scholars can contribute to the anti-racist struggles of the peoples of the Black Atlantic world.