THE PREACHER Jarena Lee

THE PREACHER Jarena Lee

From What'sHerName by Dr. Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle

February 17, 2026 · 47 min · Season 22 · Episode 171

About this episode

This episode explores the life and impact of Jarena Lee, the first African American woman to publish a spiritual autobiography, featuring insights from authors Lisa Gring-Pemble and Martha Watson.

In 1819 an itinerant Methodist preacher set off across a brand-new nation to spread the gospel to its people. Over the decades of her unique ministry, Jarena Lee would witness both incredible progress and maddening injustice - and publish the first spiritual autobiography ever written by an African American woman. But what message was her book actually meant to send? Discover the incredible life of this forgotten spiritual powerhouse with our guests, Lisa Gring-Pemble and Martha Watson, authors of the fascinating new book Your Daughters Will Prophesy. Music featured in this episode by: Marian Anderson, Alfred Hamilton, Ed Jones, The Tuskegee Institute Singers, The Georgia Singers and The Heavenly Gate Quartet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Katie Nelson, Olivia Meikle

Guests: Lisa Gring-Pemble, Martha Watson

Topics covered

  • spiritual autobiography
  • African American history
  • Methodist ministry
  • gender and religion
  • social justice
  • historical figures

Keywords

  • Jarena Lee
  • spiritual autobiography
  • African American woman
  • Methodist preacher
  • social justice
  • historical biography

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Methodist, The Tuskegee Institute Singers, The Georgia Singers, The Heavenly Gate Quartet

Books & works: Your Daughters Will Prophesy

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