Hosted by Drew’s Women’s Ministerial Alliance in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 2023 – Drew Theological students, faculty, and staff celebrated Professor of Hebrew Bible Kenneth Ngwa’s newest book, Let My People Live: An Africana Reading of Exodus.
The event, held in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was hosted by the Women’s Ministerial Alliance (WoMa) and supported by the African Students Community at Drew (AfriSCaD). Ngwa’s literary accomplishment was recognized by the community through prayer, reflection, and praise.
“My time with Dr. Ngwa often reminds me of an African proverb, ‘A village without the elderly is like a well without water,’” said PhD student Janet (Jane) Okang T’25 during her introduction of Ngwa. “I have realized that Drew without Dr. Ngwa is like a seminary without its African voices for justice and reconciliation.”
Ngwa gave a talk on his new book and his motivation for exploring his scholarship. Through his narrative of Exodus, Ngwa seeks to create and sustain a vision of thriving Black global communities.
“For me, Exodus is exclusively a communal endeavor,” said Ngwa. “Liberation is not just the flip side of oppression, liberation is actually about redesign. Redesign away from imperialism and colonialism.”
“Let my People Live is an invitation for movement. It creates the conditions where life can flourish. Not just human life, but all life.”
“This event is an ideal way to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, who indeed had a transnational vision who spent time and was deeply influenced by the trips he took to Africa and India,” said James W. Pearsall Professor of Christian Ethics and African American Studies Traci West.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and closing prayer.
