Call for Papers

*Black Religion and Spirituality (BRS) in the 21st century: Challenges and Opportunities*

OCTOBER 13, 14, 15, 2010
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI–Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

Throughout our history in the Americas, African Americans have
entrenched/devoted themselves in/to issues of justice and engagement. The 5 th Annual Black Religion & Spirituality (BRS) Conference, to be held in East Lansing, Michigan, October 13-15, 2010, affords opportunities to explore these issues in a public forum. The theme is *Black Religion and Spirituality:* *Implications for Social Justice and Community Engagement*. * *This conference will focus on the diversity of faiths among African Americans and how they are addressing challenges and opportunities in the 21 st century including emphasis on the following:

1. Examine the diversity of faiths in the African American
community.

2. Examine the variety of means by which these diverse
faiths are addressing challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.

3. Provide for a network of academics, practitioners, and
community members.

4. Explore the impact of faith communities on Black people.

5. Develop a research repository of collaborative
partnerships with academic scholars and diverse faith communities.

Abstracts for Papers should be sent to:
Dr. Gloria S. Smith
gsmith@msu.edu or
301 Morrill Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing MI 48824.

The deadline for submissions is July 30, 2010. Individual papers will be
accepted and formed into panels based on quality, critical thought and
relevancy. Request for audio-visual support will need to be received by
August 15, 2010.

Registration fee for presenters is $100.00. Registration fees must be
submitted upon acceptance to be included in the conference program.