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The Global Ministries Environmental Sustainability program invites you to participate in a five-week book discussion on Leah Penniman’s book Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalists. The book is “a soulful collection of illuminating essays and interviews that explore Black people’s spiritual and scientific connection to the land, waters, and climate, curated the acclaimed author of Farming While Black.” The discussions will be led by Rev. Dr. Mark Davies, Wimberly Professor of Social and Ecological Ethics, Director of the World House Institute at Oklahoma City University, and Environmental Ethics Consultant for the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Guest leaders include: Vernona Dismuke, Peace with Justice Coordinator, Oklahoma Conference Rev. Valerie Steele, District Superintendent of the North Central District, Oklahoma Conference Board of Education Dr. Michael Greene, Interim Director of the Black/Africana Church Studies Program at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology Leah Penniman (all pronouns) is a Black Kreyol farmer, mother, soil nerd, author, and food justice activist from Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, NY. She co-founded Soul Fire Farm in 2010 with the mission to end racism in the food system and reclaim our ancestral connection to land. Join discussion on Thursdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m. ET from May 28 to June 25, 2026. Session Four - Rev. Valerie Steele Reading: Defense
