Audacious Faith. Bold Voices.
Real Conversations for a Just World

Back Talk is a monthly livestream series hosted by McCormick President Dr. Maisha Handy — a womanist theologian, scholar, and justice-driven leader. Each 30-minute episode explores the intersections of theology, justice, leadership, and faith in action, featuring unfiltered conversations with thought leaders, changemakers, and prophetic voices from across the country.

And you’re invited to pull up a seat.

TOPICS ON OUR MIND
Each month, Back Talk will take on some of the most pressing and provocative issues shaping our communities and churches today. Upcoming episodes will tackle themes like the current migrant crisis and the captivating cultural collision between hip-hop and religion.

These are not easy conversations — but they are necessary ones. And McCormick is leaning in with audacity, with boldness, and with a deep belief in the power of faith to meet the needs of our times.

MISSED AN EPISODE?

Back Talk streams monthly on McCormick’s Facebook page. You can also find links to episodes below.

Don’t miss your chance to engage with some of the most important issues of our time — through the lens of public theology and prophetic leadership.

About Our Host

Dr. Maisha Handy is a bold, prophetic voice for our times. As the 12th President of McCormick Theological Seminary, she leads with conviction, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice-rooted theological education. An experienced speaker, preacher, and public theologian, Dr. Handy brings over two decades of leadership in higher education and ministry. She is known for speaking truth with clarity and care, and for creating space where faith and justice meet in transformative ways.

Before joining McCormick, Dr. Handy served as Provost at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, where she launched the first version of Back Talk—a webcast devoted to real, public conversations about theology, leadership, and liberation. Now, she brings that same energy and vision to a national audience.

At a moment when the church and the world are crying out for truth, courage, and clarity, Dr. Handy is a leader who doesn’t just respond—she helps us reimagine. Back Talk is an extension of her passion for public dialogue, theological truth-telling, and faith that moves people to act.