A Tribute to Black Women’s Leadership and Wisdom
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Meant for Good: Fundamentals of Womanist Leadership by Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson
As the world pauses to honor Black History Month 2026, Judson Press proudly highlights a groundbreaking work that speaks directly to the heart of Black women’s lived experience, leadership, faith, and resilience.
Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson’s Meant for Good: Fundamentals of Womanist Leadership is an invitation to rediscover the enduring power of African American women whose stories, struggles, and triumphs continue to shape families, communities, congregations, and institutions.
A Leadership Narrative Rooted in Faith, Resilience, and Community
Drawing from the biblical story of Joseph, who was betrayed, discarded, and ultimately elevated, Dr. Jackson reveals the lasting truth that what others intend for harm can be transformed by God for good. African American women have lived this reality for nearly 400 years as they navigated systems of oppression that they outwitted, survived, and transcended.
Through compelling storytelling, historical insight, and theological depth, Meant for Good explores the distinctive practices of Black women’s leadership:
Faith as foundation, which provides the spiritual strength that sustains endurance, discernment, and hope.
Wisdom forged in adversity, shaped by community-centered leadership learned from mothers, grandmothers, and the “Motherline.”
Courage to challenge systems, expressed through the refusal to be silenced by racism, sexism, or dismissal.
Commitment to communal uplift, rooted in the belief that leadership is not self-promotion but service.
Dr. Jackson calls this approach womanist leadership. It is a spiritually grounded, justice-driven, inclusive model shaped by generations of Black women who led from the margins and transformed the world through their persistence and vision.
A Timely Resource for Today’s Leaders
At a time when churches, organizations, and communities face unprecedented challenges, Meant for Good offers a path toward leadership grounded in authenticity, adaptability, inclusivity, and care. Jackson encourages leaders from every background to learn from African American women’s stories. These stories are often excluded from traditional leadership literature even though they contain deep transformative power.
Whether you serve in ministry, education, nonprofit work, business, public service, or community leadership, this book provides:
A fresh and inspiring understanding of leadership that goes beyond traditional paradigms
Practical guidance rooted in observing, listening, advocating, and building community
A leadership model that honors dignity, equity, and collective flourishing
Insight for navigating the complexities of race, gender, power, and calling in today’s world
Perfect for Individuals, Congregations, Small Groups, and Leadership Teams
Pastors, ministry leaders, women’s groups, seminary students, and leadership cohorts will find Meant for Good essential reading for Black History Month and throughout the year. Its stories resonate across generations, offering encouragement, instruction, and a reminder that Black women’s leadership has always been meant for good.
Join Judson Press in honoring the wisdom, strength, and enduring leadership of African American women.
This Black History Month, celebrate the leaders who have shaped our history. Be inspired to lead with faith, courage, and purpose in the days ahead.
