Biography
Early Life
Melva Sampson’s childhood shaped her future work. She saw unfair treatment of Black women in church. A teenage girl was kicked out of the choir for being pregnant. This upset Sampson.
Her mother faced domestic violence. She asked their pastor for help. Instead of helping her mother get to safety, the church told her to stay quiet and not leave her husband. These experiences hurt Sampson deeply. She decided to help other Black women by creating the Pink Robe Chronicles. This is a digital hush harbor and virtual sanctuary.
Education and Career
Sampson worked hard in school and earned three degrees. She got her Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Virginia University. There she earned a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She also earned a Black Church Studies Certificate while there. Sampson earned her doctoral degree from Emory University. Her research focused on Black women and religion.
Sampson has held important teaching jobs at several schools. She was the Interim Director for the Women in Theology and Ministry program at Candler School of Theology. She also worked as Program Manager at Spelman College Sisters Chapel. She also worked with WISDOM. This is a program for women deciding to work in ministry. Sampson currently teaches at Wake Forest University School of Divinity. She is the Assistant Teaching Professor of Preaching and Practical Theology.
Two denominations have recognized Sampson’s calling to ministry. The Progressive National Baptist Convention ordained her as a minister. The Presbyterian Church (USA) also ordained her as a ruling elder.
Creating Safe Spaces
Sampson created Pink Robe Chronicles and Raising Womanish Girls. These are safe spaces for Black women and girls. She calls both groups “hush harbors.” These are virtual spaces where Black women and girls can feel protected. She hosts Pink Robe Chronicles every Sunday on Facebook. This hour-long program helps people think about topics like gender, power, and social class.
These online programs focus on healing. Sampson wants to help women and girls who feel they are not important find hope and strength. She believes creating these spaces online lets more people join and feel welcome.
Her Mission
Sampson’s research shows how important Black women are in creating knowledge. She believes Black women should see themselves as powerful people with valuable ideas. This is important because society treats Black women badly instead of listening to their experiences.
Sampson worries about balancing work and family life. She feels torn between her job and spending time with her family. She wants something better for her daughters. She asks herself hard questions about how to teach her daughters to value their lives. She wants them to resist social pressure that could harm them.
Melva Sampson believes her work matters for her daughters and other young women. She says, “As Black women in school, our wellness needs to be based on more than work. Our wellness comes from our connection with our daughters, sons, partners, and each other.”
