Believing While Black: Early Modern Black Saints in the Spanish Atlantic

On February 9th, members of the college gathered virtually to discuss how enslaved people ultimately transformed the Catholic church. Washington College Professor, Dr. Deanda, hosted and facilitated the meeting. Leading the symposium was Erin Rowe, a history professor at Johns Hopkins and a Washington College alumna. Professor Rowe gracefully shared her expanse of knowledge with us. She discussed opposing views of various Catholics, the struggle of being holy and black during the transatlantic slave trade, black confraternities, black saints, and the significance of The Lady of the Rosary. Near the end, Miguel Valerio, an assistant professor at Washington University, shared his knowledge on the topic. At the end, students were eager to ask thoughtful questions. Make sure to tune in next week to hear Mr. Valerio speak about black kings and queens!