Author Description

FAITH OF OUR FATHERS: An Examination of the Spiritual Life of African and African-American PeopleMumia Abu-JamalFrom the founding legends of Abyssinia's royal house to the hidden "hush harbors" of black captives in the America's southland, Mumia Abu-Jamal presents a moving portrayal of black faith over thespan of 500 years.In this book, his first work of history, the acclaimed essayist pens a probing panorama of the spiritual life of African people, who, dispensed from their motherland, molded alove of freedom into religious practice andresistanceto racist tyranny."Mumia Abu Jamal has always embodied both political courage and moral commitment to his people and to all humanity. That deep spiritual vision is richly reflected inFaith of Our Fathers. For one who has been unjustly imprisoned for so many years to retain faith is remarkable enough in itself. Butto produce such a work of stunning insight and thoughtful research, as Mumia has done, is truly inspiring."--Manning Marable, Professor of Public Affairs, Political Science and History, Director, Institute for Research in African-American Studies"Mumia Abu-Jamal's Faith of Our Fathers captures black religion's ambiguity and complexity. Well-researched and lucidly written, his insights rest onsound scholarly judgment...this book is a creative engagement by onewho knows existentially what it means tosearch for freedom in chains."--Fromthe Preface by James H. Cone, Briggs Distinguished Professor, Union TheologicalSeminary "From his death row cell in Pennsylvania, Mumia Abu-Jamal bursts free here, showing the same stamina and wisdomof the ancestors of spirit he so movingly portraysin this new book. He and hisbook witness to spirit that matters spirit surviving slavery and prison, spirit celebrating love and life, spirit still fightingfor justice."--Mark L. Taylor, Professor of Theology & Culture, PrincetonTheological SeminaryMumia Abu-Jamal writes quite literally from"the Valley ofthe Shadow of Death" and has wonawards