Pastor and activist sings praises to Black women during address

Pastor Brendolyn Jenkins Boseman says ministry is not always done by people in the pulpit or those in high places, noting that ministry is defined as “caring for those other than themselves.” The Barnwell, South Carolina native, was the third in a series of keynote speakers celebrating Women’s History Month at Voorhees College on Thursday.

Speaking to a virtual audience, Pastor Jenkins made it clear that women throughout history have helped shape America and the world’s culture.  She noted that Black women have played a significant role in advancing this nation, and it has not gone unnoticed. “The whole globe has seen the fact that we are the salvation. The way we have spoken through our activism, our votes, our voices, through our seats at the tables, or places at the corporate tables… whatever we do or wherever we go, we bring a unique and very special flavor.”

The pastor of the Augusta, Georgia Hudson Memorial CME Church reminded the Voorhees College family of the impact women have made throughout history, dating back to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  She cited Jesus’ visit to the home of Mary and Martha and the role women played while Jesus was on the cross. “Scripture says, ‘…and the women were there.’ Even after Peter and the other Disciples had run off, the women were there.” Boseman said women continue to play a major role in developing and shaping the country’s criminal, social and environmental justice systems.

Speaking of her journey in ministry, Boseman admits to running away from God’s call for her purpose in life. After spending several years in New York, she was called by God to return to her home state and open a funeral home in nearby Elko, which she describes as “a crossroads with a caution light, where most days I watched the cars pass by.” She added, “I didn’t know it at the time, but that was my wilderness experience.” 

A youth participant in the Civil Rights Movement at South Carolina State College on the fringes of the Orangeburg massacre, Boseman continues her activism through voice and deeds. In addition to her role as pastor, she is the founding executive director of the Imani Group, an Aiken, SC agency that serves as a partner with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The organization is designed to address criminal justice, social justice, environmental justice, and youth leadership.

Voorhees College continues to celebrate Women’s History Month during the month of March with its weekly Lyceum Lecture Series by presenting women who have helped shape the American culture and the world. 

For more information, contact the Office of Communications, at 803-780-1191 or at communications@voorhees.edu.