Joryán Hernández

Biography

Joryán Hernández (peace studies and theology) holds an M.Div. and Certificate in Latinx Studies from Vanderbilt University, where his master’s thesis explored how pastoral care could be used to alleviate the traumas of displacement and present theologies of hope in and for Latine communities in a holistic way that acknowledges the different lived experiences of immigrants.

As a Ph.D. student, Joryán is exploring how the Afro-Cuban tradition of Santería creates an alternative space for religious practices—and the moral worlds they foster—that promotes healing for displaced Cubans. His goal is to move beyond merely describing the hardships of migration to encouraging people to act in a way that fosters solidarity by promoting healing in their communities, raising awareness of the systems that cause harm, and cultivating radical inclusion. A Cuban immigrant himself, Joryán believes that a better future must be imagined, as José Martí said, “Con todos y para el bien de todos.”

Joryán was awarded the Joseph Gaia Distinguished Fellowship in Latino Studies and Pax Christi USA’s Inaugural Sr. Dianna Ortiz, OSU Peacemaker Award.