Attentive to historical and cultural factors, this course explores the expression of spirituality within the cultural traditions of enslaved African people in America, their progeny and Black people who migrated to this continent. We will ask how/if spirituality is unique from religion and in what ways, if any, it influences the work of social justice activists. To inform our work, this course will draw upon historical analysis of leading Black scholars, interviews from social justice activists from the 60s to present day. Throughout the semester we will reflect upon the operating theologies at work in Black churches, communities and civil rights leadership. The role of activism to the work of leaders within African American communities is also a staple of this course.