Nashville, TN–Rev. Vahisha Hasan has been named director of the SEAL Initiatives at American Baptist College. Rev. Hasan recently served as Department Chair of Applied Psychology at Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies. This national leader in social justice works to create space and place for liberatory pathways and brings an authentic connection to community and clear vision to the issues of our time.
The SEAL Initiatives (Social Justice, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership) are designed to infuse the perspectives of SEAL within the institution, and in every class and program offered at ABC. The
initiatives are established to attract, educate, and develop the next generation of community leaders. These initiatives link undergraduate coursework with secondary school enrichments
and civic education for youth from all neighborhoods, especially those that are resilient despite being under-resourced. Ultimately, SEAL will assist in matriculating students who are advocates
of social change with a firm understanding of social justice across academic disciplines.
“We are pleased to have Rev. Hasan join us at ABC as the founding director of this significant program. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to further advance the institution
from its theological foundation to 21st century activities that speak to our causes, platforms and human development.,” said Dr. Forrest Harris, president of ABC.
Rev. Hasan is a faith-rooted organizer moving at the intersections of faith, social justice, and mental health. She is a powerful public speaker, transformative facilitator, social justice trainer,
minister, and writer with a deeply prophetic voice and imagination for how faith communities can be an active part of healing and collective liberation.
of social justice. She is a highly regarded expert in working with communities, organizations and individuals in bringing root clarity of a valued sense of self.”
This dynamic leader founded Movement in Faith, a project of Transform Network, and is a core team member of TRACC4Movements (Trauma Response and Crisis Care) providing supportive
tools for wellness for those who labor in freedom and liberation. She also serves as an associate minister at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, in Memphis TN under Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, Senior Pastor, where she was licensed and ordained June 23, 2019.
“It is my honor to serve the students at American Baptist College by developing programs within the institution, curriculum, and community that both embody and engage the principles
of social justice we seek in the world. Our students are already agents of change. Journeying with them is the gift.” said Rev. Hasan.
The SEAL Initiatives use an interdisciplinary and justice lens approach to weave applied scholarship, biblical liberation ethics and theology to achieve justice outcomes for the well-being of oppressed communities.
bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Interpersonal Organization from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Resipiscence: A Lenten Devotional for Dismantling White Supremacy, 2018-2020.
atrice@abcnash.edu.
