I didn't start this week thinking it would be Women's Week, but I am three days in and I still feel like highlighting incredible women, so I figure on today, Hump Day, I will officially make this "Women's Week". Today, half way through Authentic Lent, I want to introduce Mandisa Thomas.
Mandisa Thomas : Black Nonbeliever
For so long, the face of atheism has been predominantly male and predominantly caucasian. Not to take away from the amazing voices that have been and are male and caucasian, but there has to be more voices out there that add to the beautiful mix of what is humanity. Mandisa Thomas is such a voice, but she is so much more than a voice. After spending a few hours listening and watching her interact with others, I find her a strong, compassionate, aware, knowledgeable. brave and beautiful presence in the atheist conversation.
In 2011, Mandisa started the organization "Black Nonbelievers" . She understood that there was a need to add a new "face" to atheism. One that could widen and deepen the conversation to include everyone, especially a community of people that have been stereotyped as religious by birth and by culture.
Mandisa Thomas: Race, Representation, Black Nonbelievers
It is courage like Mandisa's that I admire so much. There are a lot of other videos and conversations on Youtube if you want to hear more from Mandisa. She is not silent. I am so glad for that. The world needs more voices like hers.
