The Divinity School is pleased to share that Iris Reddick Manburg, a PhD student in Theology, is one of the 2024 recipients of the “Furthering” Diversity awards given by The University of Chicago’s UChicagoGRAD Office. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their division or school.

Prior to arriving at The Divinity School, Iris earned a Master of Divinity (cum laude) and a Master of Theology (summa cum laude) from Southern Methodist University. Iris is a musician and a constructive theologian, interested in womanist theology and ethics, theomusicology, sonic praxis, and aesthetics. Her research prioritizes womanist trends of self-authorship and spiritualized politics at the intersection of sounds, space, and consciousness.

At the Divinity School Iris been instrumental in developing programming for Black History Month, beginning with our inaugural speaker series in 2022. The series features renowned black scholars of religion from across the country whose research engages black liberation, religion, and culture.

Read more about the work of The UChicago GRAD Diversity Advisory Board.