The Black Intellectual Tradition: ITCE's First Book Signing
On November 8, the ITCE and Classical Academic Press co-hosted a book lecture and signing for The Black Intellectual Tradition at The Catholic University of America. Co-written by Anika Prather, Ph.D. and Angel Parham Ph.D., this book brings to light our common heritage – Black and White – in the classics and the liberal arts.
ITCE Director, Sister Mary Agnes Greiffendorf, O.P., Ph.D., shares, “A little over a year ago, I became acquainted with Dr. Anika Prather and her incredible advocacy for classical Christian education, and I invited her to serve on the Board of Advisors for the newly-established Institute for the Transformation of Catholic Education. She brings an invaluable perspective as a committed follower of Christ, lifelong educator, and woman of color. I consider it a great honor that we were able to host Dr. Prather and Dr. Angel Parham at The Catholic University of America.”
To prepare for this event, ITCE Program Manager, Sagra Alvarado-Hardy, worked with Alex Lash, CAP’s Marketing Manager. Sagra says, “It was an honor to moderate this discussion. ITCE is proud to support one of its advisors and share the important messages discussed in The Black Intellectual Tradition. Dr. Prather and Dr. Parham are two incredible academics in their respective fields and I’m confident the audience gained valuable insights from their conversation.” The evening started with refreshments and an opportunity to purchase a copy of The Black Intellectual Tradition at a sales booth that Alex Lash and Communications and Marketing Associate, Joe Saufley, held on behalf of CAP.
The lecture began with an opening prayer led by Father Nicholas Blackwell, O.Carm. and welcome remarks given by Sagra. Dr. Prather and Dr. Parham then held their presentation in the form of a back-and-forth dialogue with one another. The audience appreciated the conversational approach between the two authors as they shared powerful testimonies from the past and present on how great works of the Canon can provide a path to unity and racial healing – because they unite us at the level of our common humanity and shared dignity. After Dr. Prather and Dr. Parham concluded their dialogue, the audience asked their own questions to the authors.
After concluding ITCE’s first book lecture and signing, Sister Mary Agnes reflects, “I was deeply moved by the authors’ sharing of their own experiences of racism, and how God opened paths to healing in their lives. These stories challenge me as a Catholic educator to deeper conversion and compassion. It is also a call to a more radical charity, which is only made possible by the grace of God, who pours His own love into our hearts. Educators united with the Heart of Christ can be powerful instruments of God’s love and healing in their classrooms –and in the world.” The ITCE team was honored to welcome CAP, Dr. Prather, Dr. Parham, and the rest of their guests to this event for The Black Intellectual Tradition and will look forward to hosting similar events in the future!
Photo credit: Patrick Ryan, Photographer at The Catholic University of America
