Emerging in the 1980s, Womanist theology, developed by Alice Walker and other theologians, centers on the experiences and struggles of Black women within religious contexts. This theological framework seeks to address issues of race, gender, and class, advocating for social justice and empowerment. By highlighting the unique perspectives of Black women, Womanist theology has significantly influenced contemporary religious discourse and feminist thought.

The emergence of Womanist Theology in 1980 enriched African American women's poetry, introducing themes of faith, justice, and identity. Poets like Gwendolyn Brooks and Audre Lorde drew on these ideas to create powerful works that challenged societal norms and celebrated the complexity of Black womanhood.