For the past 6 years, Crossroads has taken Black History Month (BHM) seriously. It's been grafted into our ethos and used as another excuse to celebrate God's role in people groups, namely, the African American experience in America. We're planning our usual concert, celebrating the life and music of an individual. Stay tuned. But there's something you all can do in preparation for BHM.
I was spurred on by my good friend Rev. Dr. Mac Pier to commit to a regular read of a particular book during a given season. For instance, every Holy Week Dr. Pier reads "The Cross Of Christ" by John Stott. So I wanted to run some titles by you that could enrich your February as they have mine. I've selected 3 that I continually read over and over. It's a new experience every time.
1. Up From Slavery: The Autobiography of Booker T. Washington. This book is one of the "100 Christian Books That Changed The Century" by William & Randy Peterson. Nuff said.
2. Reflections In Black: A History Of Black Photographers 1840 to The Present: This is more of a coffee table book than a narrative but compelling just the same. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this book is the largest book ever written. Gifted to me a few years back by Belinda Ramos, it remains in the center of my living room so I can visit it over and over. Breathtaking stories told through stunning images.
3. The Black Church In The African American Experience: I had to read this survey-style book in seminary. At that time, it was a burden because it was thick with small print and part of a Race & Culture course that was way over my head. Years later, I pulled it off my shelf to realize that it was a treasure all along. This book is a comprehensive history of the Black church written from an academic perspective (without academic jargon). Refreshing and accessible. It has to be for me to read it :-) Sociology/Anthropology buffs will love it.
-Joseph Cortese
