Public Lecture: Spirit in the Dark: Shadows of Religion in Black Popular Culture

Duke Divinity School will hold a public lecture by Dr. Eric Williams titled, "Spirit in the Dark: Shadows of Religion in Black Popular Culture."

Dr. Williams holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom and currently serves as the Curator of Religion for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. He has taught religion, history, and African American studies at several institutions including Western Theological Seminary, Ashland Theological Seminary, Iowa State University, Shaw University, Boston College, and Harvard University.

Williams’ current research examines the meaning of religion in African American history and culture and the role and influences of African religions within the Atlantic world. Williams is a co-editor of the T&T Clark Handbook of African American Theology and is currently completing a manuscript that explores theological significations in African American religious thought.

Williams’ research and studies have taken him to the continents of Africa, South America, Europe, Mexico, extensively throughout the continental United States, and to several islands of the Caribbean.