Attention and Contradiction: Willie James Jennings

Willie James Jennings believes that belonging is the goal of education, which is pursued at the intersections of the world’s contradictions and our own social and moral sensibilities. Willie is a public theologian and professor of systematic theology and Africana studies at Yale Divinity School. In this conversation, he reflects on the influence of mentors and role models while also highlighting the racialized and unjust structures within Western educational systems. He encourages educators to listen to, learn from, and (above all) pay attention to their students as part of a shared vocational process. He also shares his commitment for challenging antisemitism as well as drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians.