Uncovering the Power of African Women’s Spiritual Leadership

The Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (CHAP) would like to invite the community to our next special event featuring Dr. Ghislaine Lydon, a distinguished historian from the University of California, Los Angeles.

On Friday, April 10, 2026, Dr. Lydon will join us in the PC Theater from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a captivating presentation entitled, "From Seshat to Nana Asma'u: A History of African Women's Spiritual Leadership."

Dr. Lydon’s research delves into the deep history of African societies, and her upcoming talk promises to challenge common historical narratives. From the goddesses of Pharaonic Egypt who served as protectors and creators to the influential Muslim women who became religious leaders in Northern Africa, the presentation will explore how women have exercised significant authority in the spiritual realm for millennia.

The discussion will also address the "patterns of erasure"—the ways in which these powerful roles were often diminished or overlooked during periods of foreign rule and religious transition. It is a rare opportunity to hear from a scholar who has published extensively on topics ranging from the world of camel caravans to the evolution of women's rights in Muslim Africa.

We hope to see a strong turnout from our students and neighbors alike. Please join us for an evening of history, culture, and insightful conversation as we celebrate the enduring legacy of African women’s leadership.

The Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (CHAP) at Porterville College is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the diverse human experience through cultural and historical events, lectures, and activities.

For more information on the CHAP program at PC, you can visit the CHAP Web Site at https://www.portervillecollege.edu/about-pc/chap/index.html or contact CHAP Coordinator Leslie Keele at leslie.keele@portervillecollege.edu.