Heeding the call as a minister and preacher, Reverend Karlene commenced doctoral study in Religion, Gender, and Culture at Harvard Divinity School. A daughter of Jamaica, Karlene is deeply influenced by the revolutionary practice of Queen Nanny of the Maroons among others, who utilized spiritual tools as well as physical combat to beat back the British and forge free and independent societies on the island.

Karlene literally floats into every room she enters, dressed to the nines, with and elegance and presence that is simply incomparable. Her deep intellect roars through the softest of voices, taking pauses and deep breaths that leave hearers hanging on to every word.

Karlene is mother to one son – Lion, whom she parents with a patience and understanding that nurtures him in ways that affirm the beauty of his being…and hers.

Karlene Griffiths Sekou is a divine Black woman, indeed.

#BlackWomenAreDivine
@revkarlene
Offered by Melina Abdullah @docmellymel
Graphic by Megan Castillo @megann.jade