EPISODE 34: Jarena Lee on Building Sacred Space

"If it is wrong for man to hold property in man, it is wrong for woman to hold property in woman." — Jarena Lee

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In 1819, Jarena Lee became the first woman authorized to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born free in New Jersey in 1783, she traveled thousands of miles on foot, building communities of faith wherever Black people gathered.

This episode explores what it means to build a home—a spiritual dwelling place—when you've been denied one. We reflect on the radical act of creating space without waiting for institutional permission, and how Black women have consistently filled the gaps where traditional structures failed.

KEY INSIGHTS

Jarena Lee didn't wait for the church to catch up to what she knew about herself and God
The AME Church was founded after Black worshippers were pulled from their knees during prayer at a white Methodist church in Philadelphia
Black women created sacred spaces—Sunday schools, missionary societies, kitchen table Bible studies—while still fighting to stand behind the pulpit
Building your own table requires trusting the value of what you have to share
The goal isn't just personal liberation—it's creating rooms where others can be whole

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

00:37 – Quote: Jarena Lee

00:51 – Who Was Jarena Lee?

01:20 – Building Home When Denied One

01:50 – Not Waiting for Permission

02:31 – The Founding of the AME Church

03:07 – Black Women Creating Sacred Spaces

03:49 – Reflection Question

04:05 – Closing

REFLECTION QUESTION

Where have you built a spiritual or communal space when doors were closed to you?

FEATURED FIGURE

Jarena Lee (1783-1864) – First woman authorized to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church

CONNECT WITH KNOWLEDGE GUMBO

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SHARE THE WISDOM

If this quote stirs something for you, like great gumbo, let it simmer and choose to share it with love to another Black woman.

Until next time, take great care of your mind, your body, and your soul.

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