Migration stories: Me, My People, and Creatures Big and Small

Abstract:

All of God’s creation migrates. Often in search of something better (e.g., food, shelter, or mating opportunities) or fleeing a threat (e.g., unproductive or contaminated environments). Human beings uniquely change their homes to suit specific needs and alter the environment by their migration patterns and activities. In the case of monarch butterflies, the removal of milkweed across the U. S. has changed its migratory pattern. These pollinators are essential to protect the balance and biodiversity of our ecosystems for both nature and humans to thrive.

In 1916, the United States experienced the beginning of one of its largest migrations—The Great Migration. This migration is described by award-winning journalist Isabelle Wilkerson as a migration that “would force the South to search its soul and finally to lay aside a feudal caste system” and “push the country toward the civil rights revolutions of the 1960s.” A climate of losses of property, beatings, lynchings, and limited economic mobility drove over 6 million African Americans both North and West. This movement of people changed the social and religious as well as the natural ecosystem.  

Since 2012, we have captured and featured the migration stories of over 50 African American elders affiliated with historic Black churches and civic groups in the musical documentary Unfinished Business: From the Great Migration to Black Lives Matter. Beyond the South, many of these elders encountered other forms of racism and challenges. However, through their faith and the support of religious communities, many forged better lives for themselves. For some this included finding ways to stay in harmony with the land.

In this presentation, we explore the theology of migration for all of God’s creation. We use the stories and music of the Great Migration to illustrate the complex and intertwined migratory path of human beings and the rest of creation.  

Bios:

Dr. Stephanie Boddie is an Associate Professor of Church and Community Ministries. At Baylor University, she is affiliated with the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, George W. Truett Seminary, the School of Education and the Environmental Humanities Minor program. She is currently professor extraordinarius at University of South Africa. She developed the course Education from a Gardener’s Perspective based on permaculture principles and eco-womanist perspectives. She is the principal investigator for the Sustainable Community and Regenerative Agriculture Project (S.C.R.A.P.). Boddie also participates in initiatives at University of Pennsylvania, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Michigan. Boddie was the 2015-2016 CAUSE fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. During her CAUSE fellowship, she created the musical documentary, Unfinished Business: From the Great Migration to Black Lives Matter. She has co-authored over 70 publications including several books. She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and University of Pennsylvania.  

Bianca Smith is an author, activist, advocate, and adjunct professor. She is also a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and policy practitioner. Amidst the global health pandemic, she launched iKultivate, a consulting and counseling practice. She serves clients and organizations in the United States and Kenya. Smith specializes in serving those affected by anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders as well as substance-related and addictive disorders. As a doctoral student at Baylor University, she has started exploring practices from the garden and drawing from permaculture principles and the work of Dr. April Phillips’ The Garden Within. She is currently a research assistant working with Dr. Boddie exploring race-based health disparities. She is also interested in class-based health disparities in Kenya. Her professional career is a result of late nights, early mornings, vision boards, tears, prayer, and hope that turned into faith.