Black Liberation and Womanist Theologies

Students will examine diverse Black and Womanist theological sources beginning with the work of Drs. James Cone and Delores Williams. Special consideration will be given theologies of the Black Canadian context. Our study will include historic and contemporary liturgical music created by the communities we study.

About the Instructor: Dr. Kim R. Harris is the Associate Professor of African American Thought and Practice in the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University.

In addition to teaching courses on Black liberation and Womanist theologies, Harris leads music in a variety of liturgical and academic settings. She is a liturgist, composer and recording artist, presenting lectures on the music of the Black Catholic experience, the spirituals of the Underground Railroad and the freedom song of modern Civil Rights Movement. Harris is a member of the Black Catholic Theological Symposium and the North American Academy of Liturgy. She is an academic member of the African American Catholic Center for Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as well as a liturgical consultant for the Archdiocese of New York Office of Black Ministry.

A gifted cantor, leader of song and a passionate cultural advocate, Harris earned a PhD in worship and the arts from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. In fulfillment of her degree, she composed Welcome Table: A Mass of Spirituals, one of the complete Mass settings included in the Lead Me Guide Black Catholic hymnal second edition (GIA Publications Inc).

Dates: June 15-26, 2026

Days & Times: This course will be offered in-person only. On June 15th only, class time will be 1:30pm-4:30pm. The remainder of the course will be 9:15am-12:15pm.

Requirements: Readings and discussions. No written work, projects, or presentations.

Books to purchase: A list will be provided by the instructor

Fee: $275.00

Format: In-person only

Location: King’s Room (lower-level AST Library)

Please note: This Continuing Education program is non-credit, meaning it cannot be counted toward a degree or diploma, and will not be transcripted. Continuing Education registrations are refundable until 7 days before a program commences. After that time, fees are non-refundable.

Questions? Please contact: Lydia Hood, Continuing Education Coordinator, at lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca