CFP: “I Put a Spell on You”: Magic, Miracles, and Mystique in Africana Religions

The African and Diasporic Religious Studies Association (ADRSA) is proud to present its tenth conference on the theme “I Put A Spell On You”: Magic, Mystery & Mystique in Africana Religions, Friday, April 29, 2022, 9:00 am–600 pm EST, ONLINE.

As exemplified in songs from Nina Simone’s enchanting 1964 rendition of “I Put a Spell On You” to Jidenna’s 2019 “Sufi Woman,” and many others before and in between, the mystery of magic-making in African and African Diaspora religions has long inspired intrigue. “Magic” often has negative connotations in the Western world, which frequently associates Africana religious traditions with harmful “black magic” and “witchcraft” or illogical “hocus pocus”. In truth, Black people’s magic embodies sacred knowledge and encodes the wisdom of ritual technology that African descendants have used to navigate the challenges of this world and achieve the miraculous. This conference will explore themes of magic, miracles, and mystique in Africana religions with attention to how we conceptualize magic in our own communities, and how the concept is often misunderstood by insiders and outsiders alike.

We invite proposals on topics including but not limited to:

• Divination & fortune telling (traditional African divination and modern tools)
• Miraculous healing and prophetic dreams
• Reclaiming the concept of “magic” in Conjure and Black “witchcraft” movements
• “Black Girl Magic” and its connection to Africana religions

Submissions must center one or more African Indigenous (Akan, Ndebele, Yorùbá, Kongo, Fon, Dagara, Eedyi, Igbo, Shona, etc.) or African Diasporic (Vodou, Lukumí, Revival Zion, Candomblé, Kumina, Ifá/Ifá-Orisa, Shango Baptist, etc.) spiritual or religious tradition. Scholar-practitioner perspectives are especially welcomed. Graduate students and junior scholars are encouraged to apply.

For consideration, please submit an abstract, bio, and CV by Friday, March 4th by following the link below.

Submit a proposal at www.ADRSA.org/conference

Régine Romain
Founder | Director – WaWaWa Diaspora Centre
Email – [email protected]
Brooklyn – 347 669 1791