Publisher's Synopsis
Religion and spirituality have been key elements of African-American life since the earliest days of the slave trade, when they helped to keep alive the flame of human dignity of enslaved people living under the most oppressive conditions. For many decades, spiritual convictions were the driving force behind many successful African-American pioneers and were important forces holding families together against the disruptive forces of society. In more recent times, African-American religious leaders directed and inspired the Civil Rights movement and awakened a new sense of identity. African-American Religious Leaders profiles more than 150 religious leaders. Each enlightening biographical entry concentrates on his or her accomplishments in religion and includes a list of further readings on that person. An introduction, bibliography, subject indexes, general index, and 50 photographs round out the resource.
