Faith and Struggle in the Lives of Four African Americans

Ethel Waters, Mary Lou Williams, Eldridge Cleaver, and Muhammad Ali

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies, Biography & Memoir, Religious, History, Military
Cover of the book Faith and Struggle in the Lives of Four African Americans by Randal Maurice Jelks, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Randal Maurice Jelks ISBN: 9781350074637
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: January 10, 2019
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author: Randal Maurice Jelks
ISBN: 9781350074637
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: January 10, 2019
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

In 1964, Muhammad Ali said of his decision to join the Nation of Islam: "I know where I'm going and I know the truth and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want to be.†?

This sentiment, the brash assertion of individual freedom, informs and empowers each of the four personalities profiled in this book. Randal Maurice Jelks shows that to understand the black American experience beyond the larger narratives of enslavement, emancipation, and Black Lives Matter, we need to hear the individual stories. Drawing on his own experiences growing up as a religious African American, he shows that the inner history of black Americans in the 20th century is a story worthy of telling.

This book explores the faith stories of four African Americans: Ethel Waters, Mary Lou Williams, Eldridge Cleaver, and Muhammad Ali. It examines their autobiographical writings, interviews, speeches, letters, and memorable performances to understand how each of these figures used religious faith publicly to reconcile deep personal struggles, voice their concerns for human dignity, and reinvent their public image. For them, liberation was not simply defined by material or legal wellbeing, but by a spiritual search for community and personal wholeness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1964, Muhammad Ali said of his decision to join the Nation of Islam: "I know where I'm going and I know the truth and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want to be.†?

This sentiment, the brash assertion of individual freedom, informs and empowers each of the four personalities profiled in this book. Randal Maurice Jelks shows that to understand the black American experience beyond the larger narratives of enslavement, emancipation, and Black Lives Matter, we need to hear the individual stories. Drawing on his own experiences growing up as a religious African American, he shows that the inner history of black Americans in the 20th century is a story worthy of telling.

This book explores the faith stories of four African Americans: Ethel Waters, Mary Lou Williams, Eldridge Cleaver, and Muhammad Ali. It examines their autobiographical writings, interviews, speeches, letters, and memorable performances to understand how each of these figures used religious faith publicly to reconcile deep personal struggles, voice their concerns for human dignity, and reinvent their public image. For them, liberation was not simply defined by material or legal wellbeing, but by a spiritual search for community and personal wholeness.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book French Armour in Vietnam 1945–54 by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book No More Meadows by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book The Barefoot Navigator by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book Critical Design in Context by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book Saxon Tales: The Lord who Lost his Head by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book In Calamity's Wake by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book Heroes of Telemark by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book The Alexander Technique for Musicians by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book Big Wheels by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book The Fancy by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book Constructing a Post-War Order by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book Violins of Autumn by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book US Navy Dreadnoughts 1914–45 by Randal Maurice Jelks
Cover of the book Chasing Stars by Randal Maurice Jelks
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy