“As African American women, we have a few more challenges, but find a well of strength to tap into to help persevere through all of life’s experiences.” – Velma Kemp
Briefly share about yourself and how are you affiliated to Stark College & Seminary?
Velma is originally from Arkansas, and lived in a rural area called England, AR. Her parents were committed Christians and worked hard to support their family. Her father was a farmer, while her mother was a hairdresser. Her, and her siblings, like most blacks during those times, were raised on the importance of a trade or college education. She attended the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in marketing, and then married her high school sweetheart Kenneth Kemp. While he started his military career, she worked in human services, and then worked as a realtor. When they moved to San Antonio she began her work in Non-profit. She now serves as a community philanthropist for the church and community. Velma, and Dr. Kemp, her husband, came to know about SCS through Dr. Fritz Williams, who introduced them to Dr. Tony Celelli. In 2020, she became part of the SCS Board of Trustees and currently serves as Board Secretary. She is the mother of two daughters and two twin granddaughters.
What are some hopes you may have for the future generations of African American women theologians, pastors, or religious scholars?
It’s amazing how life experiences bring you into moments to help shape the future. Growing up as a (PK) pastor’s kid in rural Arkansas, she grew up in a denominational system that allowed women to be messengers and ministers of the gospel. On one side they were allowed to be missionaries only, while the other allowed women to be ministers. Often, the distinction was only by title. Then time would reveal when eight years ago, her eldest daughter, announced her call to the gospel ministry. Her hopes remain high for the church to be more accepting and value women. Women are a great asset and need to be at the table without having to prove themselves.
To celebrate the “history” part of Women’s History Month—is there a woman from history that you find especially inspiring?
Many women have impacted and inspired Velma,but none like Maya Angelou. She was one of the most inspiring, due to some personal intimate time Velma spent with her. The short time spent, seemed like a lifetime, and left her with this memory speaking of Angelou, “Sometimes people look to the outer, but her inward beauty was even more special.”
What qualities make a great female?
She believes aside from a woman’s love for God, respect for herself is number 2. As a woman in order for you to respect others you must respect yourself. Others will treat you with respect if you respect yourself. It is important to have a strong posture as a woman to be able to withstand whatever you may face in life.
Growing up, was there someone in your life that inspired you to become who you are today? Who was it and why?
In addition to Maya Angelou, three women served as a source of inspiration for Velma. She recalls Mrs. Eunice Stennis, a sixth grade English teacher. She was one of the few African American school teachers who transitioned from the segregated black schools to the desegregated school. Mrs. Stinies always displayed self-pride and confident strength, as she dealt with all races at school. The next woman is her mother, Zenobia Willoughby, who only had a high school education, and attended barber school to become a hairdresser. She encouraged her children to go to college and if they didn’t they needed a trade. Lastly, after they had moved to San Antonio they joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, and met a woman, Clara Byars. She taught a Sunday School class, but was a great motherly figure to her. She remembers her saying, “Put some feet to your faith.”
What piece of advice would you give to aspiring women professionals?
Velma wishes she had learned earlier that a corporate salary did not give her her worth! She was able to find her sweet spot and came to know her true value.
Why is it important that more women are represented in church and theological institutional roles?
She believes it is God’s will, and the Bible doesn’t solely speak to men’s roles alone.
What are some of the struggles you faced while in academia as an African American student, and how did you learn from it?
She’s been blessed throughout her life, and has benefited from not having to face many of life’s challenges. During her educational pursuits she had to prove she was able to learn during her elementary years due to integration, as black student. During those times she began education in an all Black school where she made all A’s, but due to desegregation she was one of the 3 black kids placed in an integrated 2nd grade class. Sadly, the teacher thought they, as Blacks, were not knowledgeable or did not possess the intelligence to be in that integrated classroom. Although those early experiences could have been psychologically detrimental, she never allowed the racial bias or prejudice to determine her success.
Any added advice to women?
Velma to pastors wives: She believes as a pastor’s wife her obligation is to take care of the man of God/Pastor. By supporting him to be in his best state of mind as he stands before God and God’s people. As she reflects upon her mother, who was a pastor’s wife, she learned not to be overbearing, and knows their home is the safe haven for him to find peace and be at ease. She learned a long time ago, to be yourself and be the best you you can be. You do not have to fulfill every role in the church. She is reminded of a quote from the late pastor Rev. Dr. E. Thurman Walker, “Find your sweet spot and love on the people.”