Shirley Caesar and the Politics of Validating Sexual Agency

Black gospelwoman and pastor Shirley Ann Caesar Williams, better known as “Shirley Caesar” to her listeners over the last several decades, entered a professionalization phase of ministry career from 1958 1966 when she joined performed with The Caravans. Being Caravan member brought it possibility being in compromising situations while on road, which would expose Caesar—a woman—to sexual (and racial) violence. Caesar’s first night provided such circumstance, failed advance that describes Chapter 5, “On Road Caravans”, 1998 autobiography, Lady, Melody, Word. identities (Black, woman, Christian, chaste) intersecting potential reaction is fodder for reinforcement male authority, power, privilege, dominance Sanctified Church well assertion agency. Today continues shape complex public identity born out set negotiations embracing challenging specific gendered, racial, sexual, religious norms, conditions white mobility, patterns authority. However, her, authority remains paramount.