CALL FOR PAPERS: “A Different World”

Abstracts are invited for a proposed collection of essays by Christian, African American professionals offering counsel to Christian, African American young adults traversing post-college life, particularly with the NBC sitcom A Different World as a key source of inspiration. The contributor’s task is to testify how they have gotten “this far by faith,” regarding the Lord’s provision at life’s intersections, personally and/or professionally. Creativity is highly encouraged. Above all else, authentic, well-written, compelling essays are needed that help to connect the dots of some joy(s) or pain(s).

One way to approach the essay is as a humble elder sharing an account of God’s “mighty acts” (Psalm 71:18, Psalm 145:4) whose lessons would benefit the intended audience of Christian, African Americans. While a Bible study is not the desired outcome, Scripture should be employed somehow, whether in broader, thematic terms or intensely. Engineers, plumbers, homemakers, professors, pastors, accountants and other professionals are welcome. Given the reference to A Different World, the formative experience of a college education on some level is ideal, but not an unnegotiable element for the right essay.

Below are some potential topics to address:

• navigating romantic with godly boundaries
• interracial relationships
• stewarding finances well: combating the peacock mentality
• addressing student loans
• racism, sexism, discrimination/prejudice
• police brutality/civil rights/BLM/protesting
• parenthood
• pursuing mental health and self-care
• faith and vocation
• finding a job, sustaining a career
• entrepreneurship/networking
• taking risks for God
• racial identity
• making friends: quality versus quantity
• processing loss/grief
• addressing dysfunction
• rebounding from unemployment or underemployment
• workaholism
• majority white institutions/white privilege, predominantly black environments
• parenthood
• navigating graduate school
• finding/serving the Church
• adjusting adult child to parent relationships
• being black and proud, and Christian
• servant-leadership
• diet and physical fitness

Without dogmatism in mind, this interdisciplinary book length project will represent an evangelical or theologically orthodox perspective. Please prayerfully consider if this is a right fit for you or colleagues.

An abstract of no more than 500 words along with a tentative title and C.V. is needed by May 15, 2018 for those interested. Authors will be informed soon thereafter if their proposal has been selected to move forward in the process. The completed essay will be due September 15, 2018.

Abstracts and inquiries should be sent in Word format to Rev. James Ellis III, who will serve as the project’s editor: ellis@hope.edu