Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice - by Karen J Johnson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Advancing Racial Justice: Towards a More Equitable Society

Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice is a beacon of hope for understanding America's complex racial landscape. Through rigorous historical research and compelling narrative storytelling, this book illuminates the past's intersections of Christianity, race, and place, offering profound insights for today's world. Learn about the brave efforts of heroes like Catherine de Hueck in New York City or John Perkins in Mississippi, whose faith-driven missions transformed communities through justice and reconciliation. Beyond history, Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice empowers readers with practical recommendations, encouraging them to rethink and reshape their own communities for justice.

This book explores the important role faith plays in racial justice by:

• Looking at the intertwining of faith and racial justice as a driving force throughout history.
• Examining faith communities who served as catalysts for social change by championing equality and justice.
• Exploring teachings that inspired advocates to confront systemic racism and propagate the message of love, acceptance, and unity.
• Studying key figures that used faith as a foundation to fuel their activism for civil rights.

Faith has often been at the heart of significant strides toward racial justice. From the Civil Rights Movement to present-day challenges, individuals and faith-based organizations have steadfastly committed to justice work, drawing strength and motivation from their spiritual beliefs. Whether you're a scholar, teacher, activist, or avid reader of U.S. history, Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice will enrich your understanding and inspire action as you uncover the stories of those who dared to be different for the greater good and joined the pursuit of justice.

Review Quotes

"Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice is an extraordinary recounting of pain-filled history. This thought provoking, self-revealing, challenging book chronicles a beautiful and painful time in history that is well worth your time to read, if you are interested in investigating whether you may be on the right side of history today in 2025. This book can potentially lead you to a deeper understanding of those around you and of Christ and our living a disciple's life."

"A book for such a time as this. From the opening sentence--'Race has mattered throughout American and American church history, and it continues to shape our lives in ways we may not even see'--Karen Johnson shines a light on this truth through the stories of twentieth-century Christians who humbly lived as though race matters. Here at Koinonia Farm, we are grateful that Karen lived among us for a time, absorbing the spirit of our community and Clarence Jordan's witness. She chose him as one of her ordinary heroes, writing, 'He insisted that faithful Christian witness demanded that White Christians share spiritual, social, and economic fellowship as equals with all Christians--including Black ones.' Karen echoes Saint Benedict in insisting that this call must come through all humility. Read this book--a humble demand."

"In this bewildering moment for church and society, Karen Johnson's book is not just timely but a breath of fresh air. With all the care of a great historian and all the wisdom of a committed believer, she recounts true stories about imperfect people who nevertheless did the small faithful thing right in front of them--and to remarkable effect. Readers will find here not only a trustworthy window into the past but also sparks of inspiration toward a more faithful future."

About the Author

Karen J. Johnson (PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago) is professor of history and chair of the history department at Wheaton College. Her expertise is in the history of religion and race in America. She is the author of One in Christ: Chicago Catholics and the Quest for Interracial Justice and coeditor of Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History.