The Documentary Podcast Heart and Soul: Black Madonnas
Dec 13, 2024
Chine McDonald, an author known for her explorations of faith and race, and Janina Ramirez, a professor of medieval history, discuss the powerful imagery of Black Madonnas. They explore the absence of black representations of the Virgin Mary and the cultural and emotional significance of these figures. McDonald shares her personal journey and encounters with Black Madonnas in France, while Ramirez highlights their historical context. Together, they examine how these images empower marginalized communities, particularly Black women, within religious spaces.
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Preconceived Image of Mary
- Chine McDonald reflects on her preconceived image of the Virgin Mary as a white woman with rosy cheeks and blonde hair.
- This image contrasts sharply with her own identity as a Black woman.
Excitement and Nervousness
- Chine McDonald, a Black British writer and broadcaster, expresses her excitement and nervousness about seeing Black Madonna icons for the first time.
- She anticipates a potential internal conflict due to her upbringing in a Christian tradition that predominantly portrays divine figures as white.
Fear of Blasphemy
- Chine McDonald shares her apprehension about embracing Black Madonna imagery, fearing it might be considered blasphemous.
- She recalls the outrage sparked by the film "The Shack," where God was depicted as a Black woman.
