When I embarked on the journey of launching the Rhetoric Race and Religion blog on October 15, 2011, my vision was clear: I wanted to create a dynamic blog that would serve as a comprehensive platform for my research agenda and pastoral ministry. This space would not only house my ideas and reflections but also provide a venue for my occasional laments as I navigated the complexities of discerning God’s call in various seasons of my life. Moreover, I envisioned the site as a vibrant forum for engaging in public discussions about theology and exploring how rhetoric actively shapes and constructs our theological perspectives.
While I achieved my initial objectives, the blog evolved in ways I hadn’t anticipated. We established an aggregate blog that spotlighted the work and insights of others, enriching our community with diverse perspectives. Our R3 Readers became a popular feature, curating collections of articles centered around timely subjects in the news. These collections ultimately laid the groundwork for the Syllabi projects that have now become commonplace among scholars.
R3 also embraced a collaborative spirit by inviting authors to share their contributions. This opened the door for prominent thinkers and public intellectuals—including Earle J. Fisher, Candice Benbow, Rashad Grove, Kia Grandberry, Nikia Smith Robert, C.J. Rhodes, Daniel White Hodge, and many others—to enrich our discourse with their distinctive voices. Together, we have cultivated a space that celebrates the intersection of theology, scholarship, and community engagement.
The blog quickly gained immense popularity, attracting the attention of Patheos, which offered to host it on its platform. This significant opportunity opened the door for additional hosting sites, including the Huffington Post and Religion Dispatches, to feature some of the blog's content, further expanding its reach. In 2019, I embarked on a variety of new projects that began to take precedence in my life. Consequently, by 2020, I made the decision to cease regular publication of the blog. However, for those interested in exploring its past writings, an archived version of the blog remains accessible.
As I embarked on the journey of establishing the Center for the Study of Rhetoric, Race, and Religion, I recognized the importance of creating a vibrant online presence through a dedicated blog. Our mission statement states that we strive to foster an interdisciplinary research hub that delves into the complex interplay of rhetorical practices, racial issues, and religious discussions within society. Our goals include cultivating critical scholarship, promoting inclusive dialogues, and developing innovative teaching methods that engage with the intricate relationships between rhetoric, race, and religion, both in historical contexts and contemporary experiences. It is with this spirit in mind that I introduce R3 Unlimited (R3U), a new chapter that builds on the foundation of the previous R3 blog.
R3 Unlimited will operate as the official blog for the Center for the Study of Rhetoric, Race, and Religion, reflecting many of the values and themes present in the original R3 blog while also embracing some new directions. First and foremost, R3U will serve as a dynamic intellectual hub for our CSR3 members, fellows, and graduate students, providing a platform for their voices and ideas to flourish. Additionally, R3U will be your go-to source for information regarding upcoming events and important announcements within our community. Finally, readers can eagerly anticipate a series of captivating posts that will not only spotlight upcoming publications but also delve into works that are currently in development. These updates will provide a glimpse into the dynamic contributions being made across various areas of the field, celebrating the creativity and innovation of authors and researchers who are shaping the future of their disciplines.
We would like to extend a heartfelt invitation for you to become a part of our community. By joining our mailing list, you can play an essential role in our mission. Your involvement will help us share valuable insights, updates, and opportunities for engagement, as we work together to make a meaningful impact. We believe that with your support, we can foster a brighter future for all.
Andre E. Johnson, Ph.D. is the Director for the Center for the Study of Rhetoric Race and Religion and Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies at the University of Memphis