In this episode, I sit down with Rev. Dr. Starlette Thomas to journey into the heart of Baby Suggs’ Clearing in Toni Morrison’s Beloved. The Clearing is more than a scene—it is a sanctuary of sacred refusal, a site where Black bodies reclaim their worth and where truth blooms beyond the reach of white theology. Together, we explore how Baby Suggs’ sermon of self-love, embodied liberation, and communal healing continues to instruct us on what it means to resist, to remember, and to reimagine the sacred on our own terms.

In this inaugural episode of the Black Modern Mystic Sidebars, hosts Tamice and Leah explore the themes of womanist theology, the significance of nature, and the role of pastoral care in liberation. They reflect on Toni Morrison's work, particularly the character Baby Suggs from 'Beloved', and discuss how these themes intersect with their personal experiences and the broader cultural context. The conversation emphasizes the importance of loving one's body, connecting with nature, and the need for community and care in spiritual practices.