Thers’s no easy way to God,
No clear cut way to go,
No pathway so well lighted,
That we would surely know.

There’s no million dollar messages
That we’re supposed to hear,
No one to whom we are to go
To make this message clear.

There’s no pot of gold at the rainbows end,
No easy one word reply,
No cities made of gold,
No cabin in the sky.

It is by faith and faith alone
That mountains are pushed aside.
And, all those who accept Him as a way of life,
Shall within His love abide.
 

Edited by Venice Johnson

Johnson has gathered words of inspiration from African Americans, mostly from the 20th century, arranged by theme into 63 categories. The quotes tumble along, each as interesting as the last.

Stay tuned for the latest in literary news, events, and happenings in the Chicago area and beyond!

Growing Up Black in Nazi Germany by Hans J. Massaquoi

Massaquoi, a former managing editor of Ebony magazine, chronicles his life as the son of a German nurse and Al-Haj Massaquoi, the son of the Liberian consul general to Germany. Soon after his birth in Hamburg in 1926, the author's father returned to Liberia to bolster his family's failing stature in national politics, leaving his wife and son to grapple with everyday life amid the rise of fascism in Germany. The Reich's racial politics were so steadfastly drummed into German schoolchildren that the young Hans quickly acquired an anti-Semitic outlook only to realize that he was also subject to discrimination as a non-Aryan.

Book of Everyday Wisdom with Amy Hill Hearth An inspirational and delightful guidebook on how to live long and well, written by feisty centenarian sisters who do yoga every morning, this no-nonsense manual could add years to your life.  Their homespun, plucky advice-exercise regularly, don't smoke or drink, shun credit cards, spend more time with family-reflects their perception that people today are too rushed, self-centered, overworked, lack consideration and "rot their
brains" watching TV.

A TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr.

If a man is so inclined to live right,

          Let him be afforded the opportunity to do so.

If a man chooses to walk in the path of righteousness,

          Throw not obstacles in his way so that he might stumble and fall.

If a man wishes to love his neighbor, with no other motive than to love his neighbor;

          Allow him this privilege, afford him this pleasure.

If a man is so determined to bring harmony and unity to a people who have become so divide by thoughts and time;

          Offer him your condolences, give him your support.

And…

If a man should die, trying to bring about a change,

          Show others by your actions that his living was not in vain!

It bothers me, you see,
When brothers tend to disagree.
Their voices raise to unknown heights,
They border on the edge of ‘fight’.

Their eyes glare,
Their muscles tense.
They loose control.
They make no sense.

Love no longer factors in.
For when the battle does begin,
Each one has somehow lost a friend…
When Brothers disagree.