Oluwatomisin Oredein
I met “Tomi” a few years ago at a gathering in Louisville, Kentucky. She didn’t talk much, but had a presence that was both kind and powerful. She took up space in the room, and it was a hospitable space, one that said, “you can take space too.” We had many conversations and laughs together and I was grateful to be in community with another Black woman. But it was more than our melanin that connected us. I was drawn to her kindness and her brilliance. She was never afraid to say hard or heavy things, but always reminded us that hard work is beautiful too. I have learned much, and am still learning.
Tomi is currently the Assistant Professor in Black Religious Traditions and Constructive Theology and Ethics at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, TX, and also serves as the Director of the Black Church Studies Program. As a teacher, she brings creative and embodied practices into the classroom and is always looking for new ways of learning; whether it is conducting a “courtroom” in her ethics class or bringing her students to a conference on theopoetics. As a scholar, she engages the work of women in a way that brings honor and awareness to an academy that would rather push those voices to the margins. Her work includes engagement with the ethics of Mercy Amba Oduyoye, a Ghanaian Methodist theologian. In addition to her scholarship and teaching, she is also a published poet and serves on the board of directors for ARC: Art | Religion | Culture
Tomi is also the source of “why is she so dope?” since the question begins with her. I don’t remember who asked first, but it has since become our language of celebration. So, in celebration of a woman who is bold enough to take up space, yet gracious enough to invite others to do the same, we begin here; as a portal into this hospitable space of celebration and recognition.
Oluwatomisin Oredein, Assistant Professor in Black Religious Traditions and Constructive Theology and Ethics; Director of the Black Church Studies Program
Tell us who you are!
I am an American-African scholar and creative led by my curiosities.
What inspires you?
People who exist in their vocations fully themselves.
What are one or two lessons you carry with you each day?
1. Every person is "another" not "the other"
2. Never silence yourself because of the imagined or anticipated reactions of another
What are you working on?
I'm writing in the way that makes sense to me - my writing/work includes creating as part of that process whether it be writing and making music, creative writing, designing, painting, or frankly whatever chooses to make itself part of my process. I fully recognize that my academic work is my art, too, so infused in any book or article I'm writing is my creative outworking.
How do you connect spirituality/religion in your work?
I just tell the truth. A lot of my art comes from who I am, and my faith is a huge part of that, so I just make sure I tell the truth in whatever I do.
What is your favorite card/board game?
Uno. Especially when I hit the “Draw Four.”