Emmanuel Buteau is a practical theologian. He studies the theologies and cultures of the Black Atlantic World, with a special interest in Haiti and Francophone Africa. He focuses especially on how practical theology can help reframe the "God" question in light of the everyday experiences of the colonized and help usher in decolonial healing. Both a scholar and a practitioner, Buteau bridges the gap between the academy and contemporary society and serves as Executive Director of the Haitian Institute of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization that focuses on youth accompaniment and grassroots community building. He teaches courses on Caribbean theologies, the intersection of theology and literature, and the theologies of revolution.
Research interests
Buteau's work contributes to the growing literature on decolonial healing. His current research focuses on how decolonization can be effected through theologically-grounded reflection on the whole person. Buteau brings his scholarship to practical focus as he investigates how reflection on everyday practices can help the colonized reimagine the past, shape the present, and create more flourishing futures. A scholar of educational policy, Buteau also studies the colonial foundations of Haitian educational practices as he seeks to construct a theologically-informed pedagogy for decolonial healing.