“The Chocolate Scoop” Podcast #9 “Holding God in Her Throat” – Black Women in the Clergy 3/22/26

 “The Chocolate Scoop” Podcast #9 “Holding God in Her Throat” – Black Women Serving in the ClergyMarch 22, 2026, Nikki Williams Producer/Host Inspired by the deeply moving and reflective poem, “Our Grandmothers” written by Dr. Maya Angelou and her personal remembrances of her own Grandmother Mrs. Irene Ivey, whose deferred dream and life ambition was to serve God as a member of the Clergy, Producer/Host Nikki Williams embarks on a eye opening and highly personal Journey with Reverend Dr. Michele Sweeting DeCaro as Dr. DeCaro speaks about the Challenges and Triumphs of being a Black Woman Pastor.  “Holding God in Her Throat,” a line from Dr. Maya Angelou’s magnificent poem “Our Grandmothers.” The poem is chorus threaded throughout with the words, “I Shall Not Be Moved.”  And those words are part of a Gospel Song that goes, “Like a tree that stands by the water, I Shall not be Moved.”  As Dr. Maya Angelou gives examples of how the stoic faith of Black Grandmothers are like a tree planted by the water, Dr. Michele Sweeting DeCaro recounts how she stayed tree stoic as she faced and stared down adversities, as well as how she looked openly into the gentle eyes of Grace. An Award-Winning Professor, Author and Vocalist, Reverend Dr. DeCaro generously shares with “The Chocolate Scoop” listening audience, the importance of her Trust and Faith in the God of her Understanding, her personal Truth of what it means to be a Black Woman in the Clergy, as well as Inspirational Words of Wisdom through Song, Poetry and Personal Narratives. Reverend Dr. Michele Sweeting DeCaro holds a PhD in Education.  She is an Ordained Minister. and Pastor of the People's Church located in New York.  She is an Award-Winning College Professor. a Billboard charted vocalist and the Author of “Finding Your Pie.”   Dr. DeCaro is also a contributing Author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” as well as the Author of the book “Speaking Now.” www.thechocolatescoop.net