Throughout the history of the African American people there has been no stronger resource for overcoming adversity than the black church. From its role in leading a group of free Blacks to form a colony in Sierra Leone in the 1790s to helping ex-slaves after the Civil War; and from playing major roles in the Civil Rights Movement to offering community outreach programs in American cities today; black churches have been the focal point of social change in their communities. Based on extensive research over several years; Mighty Like a River is the first comprehensive account of how black churches have helped shape American society. An expert in African American culture; Andrew Billingsley surveys nearly a thousand black churches across the country; including its oldest; the First African Baptist Church in Savannah; Georgia. These black churches; whose roots extend back to antebellum times; have periodically confronted social; economic; and political problems facing the African American community. Mighty Like a River addresses such questions as: How widespread and effective is the community activity of black churches? What are the patterns of activities being undertaken today? How do activist churches confront such problems as family instability; youth development; AIDS and other health issues; and care for the elderly? With profiles of the remarkable black heroes and heroines who helped create the activist church; and a compelling agenda for expanding the black church's role in society at large; Mighty Like a River is an inspirational; visionary; and definitive account of the subject.
#850567 in Books 1994-01-20 1994-01-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.50 x .74 x 8.19l; .70 #File Name: 0195085612248 pages
Review
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good bookBy Rhonda EisenbergGood book5 of 14 people found the following review helpful. The labors of a housewife -- now and thenBy Elizabeth ReeveBoydson goes to prove that the average woman ha had to work long and hard hours that have been often under paid and overworked while the men get their payment; the women must endure long hours and work extra hard. This book seeks to tell how the women have built the economy and have been one of the major leaders yet do not get the credit that they deserve. Think about the long hours put in spinning; canning; and doing the house work without air conditioning and yet still how it is today! This si the book to read for all historians.
