Title: Gospel choirs : psalms of survival for an alien land called home /
Authors: Bell, Derrick, 1930-2011.
Publisher: BasicBooks,
Year: 1996
Subjects: African Americans Fiction; Christian fiction, American.; Allegories
Abstract: Through parables and essays, Derrick Bell offers an eloquent work of social commentary on the permanence of racism."Gospel," says Derrick Bell, "and particularly the gospel choir at its best, echoes the tempos of the soul searching for God's peace in the midst of a hostile world."Just like the songs of a gospel choir, the pieces in this book give voice to the hardships faced by African Americans. Through allegorical stories and fictional encounters, dreams, and dialogues, it presents fresh perspectives on the different issues that concern Blacks, such as the message of The Bell Curve, the Contract with America, the media's handling of Black men, and corporate greed's responsibility for today's rising "White rage" and subsequent "Black blame." Despite their tough subjects, however, these stories resound with laughter and compassion and a continuing theme of Christian love. Ultimately, like the gospel songs, they offer African Americans hope and direction as they travel the racist world they inhabit.
Contents: Redemption deferred: back to the space traders -- Trying to teach the white folks -- Living with the specter of Calhoun -- Staying 'no ways tired' -- The freedom of employment act -- Shadow song -- The mentality of race -- Nigger free -- Racial royalties -- Women to the rescue -- The electric slide protest -- Equality's child -- The entitlement -- The gospel light.