Negotiating the Academy Through "Spiritual Sistering"

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Spirituality in Educational Settings: The Importance of Relational and Nurturing Connections

Abstract

Historically and contemporarily, spirituality has played a fundamental role in Black women’s navigation of the academy, but despite its importance, spirituality is rarely discussed in our professional contexts. Our stories are foundational to discussing the impact of spirituality on our experiences in the academy and the mutual benefits of what we are calling "spiritual sistering". “Spiritual sistering” in this essay is defined as a spiritually based symbiotic relationship between a faculty member and graduate student.

Authors

• Crystal Morton, Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis

• Mercedes Adell Cannon, Indiana University - Indianapolis