When you read a fictional story, you can relate to some of the events that take place. But, when you read a memoir or autobiography, it can affect you a little differently. You may see more of yourself in the person because they are not a character. Your book selection is often based on something you’re going through or a person whose life inspires you. More and more, we see people telling their life story. One of the earliest and the first Black woman to publish an autobiography was Jarena Lee in 1836.
Jarena Lee was a preacher, the first for the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The road to this position was not easy. Born in 1783, Lee’s declaration to the Christian Religion began in 1807. She began to attend services lead by Bishop Richard Allen that allowed her to better connect with her faith. With her knowledge of the religion and knowing it was male-dominated, her mental health was briefly affected. After overcoming these feelings, she found a role in traveling to deliver her message.
In 1811, Lee married a Methodist Pastor named Joseph Lee and this is when her connection to God and the congregation grew even greater. A few years later, her husband passed away and she discovered her true passion, and it was to preach. The obstacle she faced with was being a female preacher. The church did not accept her or and Bishop Allen did not accept this role for her. One day a guest preacher at Bishop Allen’s newly formed AME church had difficulty drawing in the crowd. Lee stood up and delivered a sermon that was powerful and memorable. Bishop Allen ordained her as a preacher soonafter and she became the first woman of the AME church.
In today’s world, women continue to have to break barriers in many fields. Learning of Lee’s story and the struggles she faced is inspirational. To end this Women’s History Month Celebration of Writers, may be remember Jarena Lee and the power and courage she displayed in her actions. She put her story to paper and it shall live on forever in history.