Cheryl Townsend Gilkes facts for kids

Cheryl Townsend Gilkes (born 1947) is an important American scholar and minister. She is known for her work as a sociologist, which means she studies how people live together in groups and societies. She is also a womanist scholar, focusing on the experiences and ideas of Black women. She teaches at Colby College and is an ordained Baptist minister.

About Her Life

Cheryl Townsend Gilkes was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 2, 1947. Her parents were Murray Luke Townsend, Jr. and Evelyn Townsend.

She studied at Northeastern University in Boston. There, she earned three degrees in sociology. She received her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in 1970. Then, she earned a Master of Arts in 1973. Finally, she completed her Ph.D. in 1979.

From 1978 to 1987, she taught sociology at Boston University. She was an assistant professor there. She also spent time as a research assistant at Harvard University. This was in the Women's Studies in Religion Program.

In 1987, she joined the teachers at Colby College. She holds a special title there. She is the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of Sociology and African-American Studies. This means she has a very respected teaching position. She also leads the African American Studies program at the college.

Besides her work as a professor, Gilkes is also an ordained minister. This means she is officially recognized to lead religious services. She serves as the assistant pastor for special projects at Union Baptist Church. This church is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Her Writings

Cheryl Townsend Gilkes has written important books. One of her well-known works is:

• If It Wasn't for the Women: Black Women's Experience and Womanist Culture in Church and Community. This book explores the experiences of Black women. It looks at their roles and culture within churches and their communities.

See also

• Womanist theology