Gloria Wade-Gayles

Gloria Wade-Gayles (née Gloria Jean Wade; July 1, 1937 – January 27, 2026) was an American educator and author. She was a Professor for Comparative Women's Studies at Spelman College, and the founding director of the SIS Oral History Project and RESONANCE choral performance group at Spelman.

Life and career Gloria Jean Wade was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in the Jim Crow South. She grew up in a low-income neighborhood with her mother Bertha, grandmother Nola Ginger Reese, sister, aunt, and three uncles. Her father lived in Chicago and made annual trips to be together. Her mother fostered a love of literature and reading, and encouraged her daughters to excel in school. In 1983, she was an assistant professor at Talladega College and won the 2nd Annual Pilgrim Press National Manuscript Competition. She returned to Spelman College the same year and became a tenured faculty member.

Recognition and awards 1991: CASE Professor of Teaching Excellence for the state of Georgia Gayles, G. J. W. (1995). My Soul is a Witness: African-American women’s spirituality. Beacon Press. Gayles, G. J. W. (1996). Rooted Against the Wind: personal essays. Beacon Press. Gayles, G. J. W. (1997). No Crystal Stair: visions of race and gender in Black women’s fiction (Rev. and updated). Pilgrim Press. Gayles, G. J. W. (1997). Father Songs: testimonies by African-American sons and daughters. Beacon Press. Gayles, G. J. W. (2003). In Praise of Our Teachers: a multicultural tribute to those who inspired us. Beacon Press.