This month we recognize and celebrate Woman’s History Month and we will learn from women of all backgrounds highlighting women’s voices and contributions relevant at the intersection of race, culture, and theology. We begin with a conversation with author, theologian, and podcaster Kat Armas. I met her at Fuller Theological Seminary where she completed a Master of Arts in Theology degree. Each time I’d hear her speak she revealed her depth of wisdom and insightful theological creativity. She introduces us to “abuelita faith,” which is title of her new book set to be released in August of this year.

Her work should resonate with all of us as she is reclaiming the voices like our “abuelitas,” our grandmothers who have raised us and taught us and shaped our lives. Her passion is for bringing the voices normally limited to the margins of theological discourse to the center, “at the table” bringing the richness of their perspectives. She draws from her experience as a Latina of Cuban background, raised in Miami, FL, and having navigated the seminary halls dominated by white, male voices.

Her presence is both gentle and powerful. Her words both healing and provocative. She is a force to reckoned with. A necessary voice for the church and beyond. You can hear more from Kat Armas on her podcast “The Protagonistas Podcast with Kat Armas.” Check out her website www.katarmas.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @kat_armas and Facebook Kat R. Armas.

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Phil Allen, Jr. is a Los Angeles-based pastor, social justice activist, filmmaker and author. Allen’s book Open Wounds explores the murder of Nate Allen—Phil Allen’s grandfather—in the Jim Crow era of South Carolina and how that traumatic event resonated through generations of his family. Open Wounds – which is based on the Allen-produced documentary of the same name – was published on February 9, 2021. Allen is a Ph.D. student studying Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.