New York, NY – The heads of New York City’s premier graduate schools of theological education – Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond, President of New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) and Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary (UTS)– today released the following joint statement celebrating the life and legacy of artist and humanitarian Harry Belafonte:
“Today, the world lost a legend. Mr. Harry Belafonte was a renaissance man who used his art as activism and dedicated his life to amplifying the voices of his people and all people in need.
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“Born to Jamaican immigrants in Harlem, and splitting his childhood between Jamaica and New York City, he called upon us to build a more just and compassionate America. From starring in cinematic classics, to recording beloved songs that have resonated for generations, to marching side by side with cross cultural faith leaders on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement and standing alongside workers fighting for better wages and working conditions, Mr. Belafonte led his life with purpose and resilience.
“Our city, nation, and world are better because of the legacy he has left behind.”
Founded in 1836, UTS is the oldest independent seminary in the United States, distinctive for its longstanding focus on faith and social justice. Notable alumni include Civil Rights pioneer Charles Sherrod, Georgia Senator/Rev. Raphael Warnock, and political commentator Melissa Harris Perry. Its student body is roughly 60% women, and about 50% students of color. Recently, UTS launched its first fully online degree program, Master of Arts in Social Justice.
Founded in 1900 as Bible Teachers College, NYTS’s focus has always been educating students who were already in ministry or bi-vocational. NYTS’s student body is roughly 70% Black, and 60% women, and offers classes in Spanish and Korean. Notable alumni include Eugene H. Peterson, author of The Message Bible, and Sanco Rembert, the first Black bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Among its many offerings, NYTS offers a Master of Professional Studies designed for incarcerated students at Sing Sing and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities.
NYTS and UTS are located across the street from one another in Morningside Heights and are part of a Theological Consortium that allows students to take courses at partner institutions in the consortium. In addition to serving as the first women to lead their respective institutions, they also put social justice and social action in the forefront of their work, speaking out about issues like reproductive justice, sexual assault, and LGBTQIA rights, which have long been taboo in many congregations.
