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Contact: Jon Niccum, KU News Service, 785-864-7633, [email protected]
Evangelical women’s entry into the workplace observed through 1980s periodicals
LAWRENCE — Political histories of U.S. evangelicalism typically focus on the high-profile male leaders of organizations: Billy Graham, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell.
“Those stories told from the top are important. But I’m trying to illuminate a different story. What is going on with women on the ground?” said Rachel Schwaller, a University of Kansas lecturer in the departments of History and Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies.
“Maybe these women are not even engaged in national politics, and yet they are constructing a worldview and a vital way of interacting with the world.”
Schwaller’s new article titled “‘I Left My Bible At Home…’: Evangelical Women’s Bodies as Biblical Text in the Workplace during the 1980s” explores how such women coped with entering secular workplaces. Many turned toward writing for evangelical-affiliated periodicals, which served as essential sources for documenting how they legitimized their entry. These writers showed female readers how to exhibit their evangelical identity by embodying biblical motifs and narratives. The article appears in Postscripts.
When people think of evangelical periodicals, they usually envision widely distributed magazines such as Christianity Today. These interdenominational publications arose in the 1950s, and some still have a monthly readership in the hundreds of thousands. They are primarily created by professional presses with paid positions for editors, writers and designers.
“My interest is in affiliated periodicals, which are highly specific,” Schwaller said. “They are often a whole lot smaller, are run almost entirely by volunteers and don’t care as much about being for profit because a lot of their income is supplemented by the denomination.”
As Schwaller was researching these periodicals, she noticed that at a certain point (around the late 1980s), many of the articles involved women’s “new” roles in the workplace.
“One might normally think fundamentalists would be totally against this. But actually they end up bringing that into evangelical culture. Women can go out into the workforce, but the question becomes, ‘How are they being evangelical women in the workforce?’ That’s when you start to get stories mirroring Old Testament heroic figures like Daniel, Ruth and Queen Esther.”
Schwaller surmises it took until the late ’80s for this trend to emerge because that’s when evangelicals accepted the fact women were entrenched in the workplace. The title of the piece comes from nurse Becky Brodin, who wrote in a 1988 Discipleship Journal article that when she went to work, “I leave my Bible at home!” Instead of carrying the Good Book, Brodin told readers she demonstrated Christianity through her behavior and excellence at her job.
The line between contemporary parable and pure fiction is often blurred in the stories published in these periodicals; however, the intent is clear, Schwaller said, with biblical narratives serving as a template for how evangelical women can apply these lessons in their professional life.
The writings also showcase a distinct difference between how men approach the same material.
“Men’s articles feature much more sermonizing,” she said.
“They are often more exegetical – which is a hermeneutical teaching and preaching style that takes individual verses as you read them and explains them. Since men are going to be pastors in these largely conservative magazines, they are writing articles that are meant to teach. Women are writing articles that are meant to be co-reflective. So you see more devotional pieces, meditative pieces, reflection pieces and parables.”
Schwaller said that the writing style in the periodicals she analyzed often sounded exactly the same.
“They are using the same biblical verses and interpretive patterns over and over. I’ve read stuff from the 1930s that is repeated almost verbatim in the 2020s,” she said. “As a historian studying change over time, it was kind of disturbing to read these things and realize, ‘Nothing’s changed.’”
Schwaller (who publishes under the name Rachel E C Beckley) was raised in an evangelical household. While she no longer identifies with the denomination, she is a fourth generation “pastor’s kid” and the fifth generation of her family with connections to the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. A KU faculty member since 2010, she specializes in U.S. evangelicalism.
She reiterates that the narrative of evangelical growth in the U.S. shouldn’t just be told from the top; it also needs to be told from a grassroots bottom.
“These magazines have quietly been in the homes of our grandmothers for a very long time,” Schwaller said.
“So the question is, how did it change their behavior? How did it change the Christian narratives about the United States? How did it change the narratives they were telling each other and about themselves? And those answers can be found in affiliated periodicals.”
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KU School of Music Collage Concert set for Sept. 19
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Music has announced that its annual Collage Concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Lied Center of Kansas. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will feature the artistry of the KU Symphony Orchestra, the award-winning Chamber Choir, a percussion group, Jazz Ensemble I, Wind Ensemble and others. The finale will include a performance by the Marching Jayhawks.

Exhibition ‘Thomas Mann: Democracy Will Win’ opening at KU on Aug. 14
LAWRENCE — The Max Kade Center for German-American Studies at the University of Kansas will host the touring exhibition “Thomas Mann: Democracy Will Win.” The exhibition, on display Aug. 14-Sept. 15, will focus on Mann — who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929 — as a political thinker and his influence in America.

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Contact: Fally Afani, School of Music, [email protected], @MusicKU
KU School of Music Collage Concert set for Sept. 19
LAWRENCE — Get ready for a musical extravaganza like no other as the University of Kansas School of Music presents its annual Collage Concert, taking place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Lied Center of Kansas. The concert is free and open to the public.
The Collage Concert is a showcase that brings together the finest talents from the School of Music. This year’s concert will feature the artistry of the KU Symphony Orchestra, the award-winning Chamber Choir, a percussion group, Jazz Ensemble I, Wind Ensemble and others. One of the biggest draws for audiences is the grand finale – an electrifying performance by the Marching Jayhawks.
“The annual Collage Concert is a celebration of the remarkable talent and dedication of our students and faculty. It is an unforgettable evening that showcases the very best of the University of Kansas School of Music,” said Paul Popiel, interim dean of the School of Music. “We invite everyone to join us for this sensational event and experience the power of music in all its splendor.”
All proceeds from the concert benefit the Student Opportunity Fund, a resource providing essential financial support for KU music students participating in competitions, presentations and conferences throughout the country and beyond. Attendees can donate to the fund online.
Doors will open at 7 p.m., and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Contact: Wyatt Haywood, Department of Slavic, German & Eurasian Studies, [email protected]
Exhibition ‘Thomas Mann: Democracy Will Win’ opening at KU on Aug. 14
LAWRENCE — The Max Kade Center for German-American Studies at the University of Kansas will host the touring exhibition “Thomas Mann: Democracy Will Win.” The exhibition, on display Aug. 14-Sept. 15, will focus on Mann — who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929 — as a political thinker and his influence in America.
Mann (1875-1955) was a native of Lübeck, Germany, but fled to the United States in 1939 when his critiques of Hitler’s regime made Germany unfriendly to him. Much of the exhibition focuses on the evolution of Mann’s political biography: from monarchist to powerful opponent of National Socialism and committed champion of democracy, according to event organizers.
The exhibition explores the trajectory of Mann’s political development in relation to the following categories: personal background, zeitgeist (spirit of the age), commitment, taking action and Responsibility. Viewers are asked to interrogate their own beliefs and paths alongside those of Mann. A series of film clips connects these five topics to ongoing debates and critical moments in contemporary history such as the 2017 Charlottesville riot, the Black Lives Matter Movement, climate change mitigation, and the global refugee and immigrant crises.
“The Max Kade Center is fortunate to be able to host this traveling exhibit that highlights the importance of understanding democracy as an active endeavor rather than a condition to be taken for granted,” said Marike Janzen, associate professor of German studies and director of the center. “Through its focus on Thomas Mann’s transatlantic and political journey, ‘Democracy Will Win’ echoes a central theme represented by the Max Kade Center’s collection, German emigrés’ commitment to democratic principles. Moreover, it shows the crucial role that artists play in keeping democracy alive.”
The exhibition will be available for viewing in the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies, 1134 W 11th St. Viewing will be available from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays and 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. To arrange a class or special visit, please email [email protected].
There will be an opening reception at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 23 in 150 Joseph R. Pearson Hall. Janzen will give opening remarks, followed by Brad Allen, executive director of the Lawrence Public Library, who will speak on the role that public libraries and institutions play in local democracy. All are welcome to attend.
“Although the exhibit channels the intellectual ideas of Thomas Mann, his questions about democracy and democratization are nationally and globally relevant during this historical moment. It is hard to look at the war in Ukraine and not see it as a battleground for democracy, too,” said Ani Kokobobo, professor and chair of KU’s Department of Slavic, German & Eurasian Studies.
The exhibition is organized by Literaturhaus München and the Villa Aurora & Thomas Mann House and is realized with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office.
The Max Kade Center for German-American Studies is part of the Department of Slavic, German & Eurasian Studies. The center aims to collaborate with the KU campus and community to promote the teaching and research of German-speaking peoples in the United States and beyond. The KU Max Kade Center houses significant collections of books, archives and artworks related to German Americans, including local history of the Lawrence Turnverein.

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KU News Service
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence KS 66045
Phone: 785-864-3256
Fax: 785-864-3339
[email protected]
http://www.news.ku.edu

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs

From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu

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Spencer Museum commissions new painting for KU Common Work of Art
LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art commissioned artist Fahamu Pecou to create “Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream” as the KU Common Work of Art for the 2023-2024 academic year. The painting is Pecou’s response to the KU Common Book, “Parable of the Sower,” by Octavia Butler. “Oya’s Dream” will be featured in the Spencer Museum’s fall exhibition “Black Writing,” which explores the power, politics and complexity of language in contemporary Black culture, on view at the Spencer Museum beginning Aug. 19.

Book expands on legacy of Nigerian women’s Islamic scholarship
LAWRENCE — “Winning the peace” through education — and the crucial role of women in this process — is the subject of a new book titled “Equals in Learning and Piety: Muslim Women Scholars in Nigeria and North America” (University of Wisconsin Press) by Beverly Mack, University of Kansas professor emerita of African & African-American studies.

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Contact: Elizabeth Kanost, Spencer Museum of Art, 785-864-0142, [email protected], @SpencerMuseum
Spencer Museum commissions new painting for KU Common Work of Art

LAWRENCE — The Spencer Museum of Art commissioned artist Fahamu Pecou to create “Parable of the Sower: Oya’s Dream” as the KU Common Work of Art for the 2023-2024 academic year. The painting is Pecou’s response to the KU Common Book, “Parable of the Sower,” by Octavia Butler.
The Common Work of Art depicts a pregnant Black woman reclining with a copy of Butler’s novel held over her face and a portrayal of the “orisha,” god or goddess, Oya balancing on her hip. The protagonist in the KU Common Book is named Lauren Oya Olamina.
Pecou further explains the painting’s symbolism: “Oya, the orisha of change and transformation, serves as a powerful symbol in Ifá cosmology. Through the character of Lauren, we witness the importance of mentally, spiritually and physically preparing for the storms of life. Oya teaches us that change is not something to be feared, but rather a catalyst for growth and evolution.”
This painting is part of Pecou’s “Trapademia: Lit” series, which juxtaposes Black bodies with famous literary works by Black authors. “Oya’s Dream” will be featured in the Spencer Museum’s fall exhibition “Black Writing,” which explores the power, politics and complexity of language in contemporary Black culture. The show is in partnership with the History of Black Writing (HBW), a research center at KU that specializes in the recovery and preservation of texts by Black writers.
“Black Writing” and the KU Common Work of Art will be on view at the Spencer Museum from Aug. 19 through Jan. 7, 2024. Pecou will give a talk at the Spencer Museum at 4 p.m. Nov. 30.
Resources for expanding conversation about the KU Common Work of Art are available online.

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Contact: Rick Hellman, KU News Service, 785-864-8852, [email protected], @RickHellman
Book expands on legacy of Nigerian women’s Islamic scholarship

LAWRENCE – The stereotype of Islam as patriarchal and averse to educating women misrepresents the legacy of the egalitarian leader of the Sokoto Jihad who reformed Islamic rule in early 19th century northern Nigeria. Not only did leader Usman ’dan Fodio approve of education for women, but he endorsed its promotion in his caliphate by his daughter Nana Asma’u through her outreach program called Yan Taru, or in English, the associates.

“Winning the peace” through education — and the crucial role of women in this process — is the subject of a new book titled “Equals in Learning and Piety: Muslim Women Scholars in Nigeria and North America” (University of Wisconsin Press) by Beverly Mack, University of Kansas professor emerita of African & African-American studies.

It is an exclamation point on a career’s work in bringing to light the contributions of women scholars in the region. Her 2004 book, “Muslim Women Sing: Hausa Popular Song,” explains the social importance of contemporary women poets and performers, but this, Mack’s fourth book that focuses on Nana Asma’u, extends to the legacy of the Yan Taru in the United States today, where groups of this women’s study program were established in the late 20th century.
“West African history has always been about the battles, the kings, the men in power, and Asma’u had been literally a footnote — maybe two footnotes,” Mack said. “Scholars have said, ‘She’s an exception.’ This book demonstrates that Asma’u is not an exception. She is one of many women scholars and students. Her Yan Taru program is indicative of regional women’s activism that was more widespread than has been acknowledged. In fact, Yan Taru teachers may be more responsible for the 19th century institutionalization of Sunni/Sufi Islam in northern Nigeria than any man or battle.”
This grassroots program in northern Nigeria and southern Niger continued to operate under the radar throughout the late 19th century post-jihad years, the first half of the 20th century during British and French colonization, during early years of the countries’ independence and into the present. Because it was self-maintained by local women and not tied to government structures, it was unaffected by political change and thus may continue to be operating in Niger, even in the face of the current coup.
Mack said that Usman ’dan Fodio was a member of the region’s minority Fulani tribe. Before his successful jihad, as a literate Muslim, he preached and sometimes advised local kings of the majority Hausa tribe. When the jihad was won, there remained the task of disseminating Sunni/Sufi reformations to local Islamic practices throughout the region. That required teachers who spoke the dominant Hausa language.
Led by Nana Asma’u, Yan Taru women undertook this social reform. As Mack has written in the current book and others about Asma’u’s poetic work, poems functioned as lesson plans for Yan Taru teachers, who taught women, who then taught their children, both girls and boys. For most, Yan Taru education was transmitted orally.
“Most women in the rural areas at that time were not literate, but literacy was not necessary for learning adab (Arabic), the Islamic concept of ethical behavior, morality,” Mack said. “These lessons were meant to educate women in Islam as a structure that could support the acquisition of knowledge as a means of moving closer to God and practicing right behavior towards others. It’s just that simple. It has nothing to do with Sharia or an eye for an eye, or any of that. It’s hard enough, just learning to be good in this world.”
The Yan Taru’s Islamic education program aims to prepare individuals to use their intellectual gifts to better understand the world and their place in it, to help them to move closer to God.
“The Quran consistently promotes the use of one’s reason, one’s intellect. The point of being human and having intellectual capabilities is to develop them by knowing everything that you can, depending on what your interests are. If you want to be a chemist, an architect, a journalist, that’s great. Pursue whatever your interest is, because the more you know about anything, the closer you get to knowledge of God, although spiritual knowledge ultimately is inexhaustible,” Mack said. “The lifelong pursuit of knowledge is a means of developing the spirit, so for anybody to deny someone the opportunity to develop their mind is, ultimately, to deny them the opportunity to deepen their spirituality.”
While the Nigerian Yan Taru program continues in the 21st century, it has diasporic links in North America today. The U.S. Yan Taru movement was started in the 1990s at the urging of an African American scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Sharif, who had learned about Asma’u when he studied among Fodio family scholars in West Africa. He asked Mack to speak to his Pittsburgh Islamic community when her book of translations of Asma’u’s poems was published in 1997, and he suggested to women there that they start their own Yan Taru chapters to take control of educating themselves and others. Mack said she has continued to consult with them since they organized.
“Now they have North American Yan Taru chapters in places as disparate as Los Angeles, Georgia, Florida. These Yan Taru chapters expand and contract, depending on demographic changes, but technology allows them all to stay in touch with the Pittsburgh chapter, the hub of North American Yan Taru activity,” Mack said. “Instead of having women go out to the villages on foot, women go out to the cities virtually, on Zoom, to teach. Local groups meet regularly in person or virtually, and the entire North American contingent can meet annually or biannually by Zoom, even when separated by time zones. It saves money, time and energy. I think that’s very cool. Asma’u was very practical. If she were alive today, she would be using Zoom all the time — without a mute button.”

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KU News Service
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence KS 66045
Phone: 785-864-3256
Fax: 785-864-3339
[email protected]
http://www.news.ku.edu

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs