In Their Footsteps: Inspirational Reflections on Black History for Every Day of the Year

Even if you only have a small bit of time to read every day, you should take time to read this book. Why? First, it is most readable, and if you follow the author's suggestion, it is something that is probably best read in bits and pieces so you can absorb the stories and the messages that are portrayed throughout. It is a thoughtful, reflective, and beautifully written work that is a must read. The stories of those who influenced the course of black history are compelling and inspiring.

The faith, perseverance, and strength in the struggle Mr. Grigsby shows us in the lives of these leaders who have gone before us encourage us to do the same--to daily pick up the pieces of our lives and press on, to keep believing, and to know that one day we will accomplish our dream. I love this book!

I can't imagine anyone whose introduction to this book doesn't involve "thumbing through." It's a useful getting acquainted strategy that reveals a clean, clear format, striking artwork, and the occasional familiar name that converts browser to reader. That first, casual reading also reveals Daryl Grigsby's skill and talent as a writer and storyteller: "Submerged under the Paraiba River, the sculpture of the Virgin Mary had slowly darkened as sediment and mud collected over its smooth surface" (Oct. 12, Our Blessed Lady of Blackness) "The long day was near end, and none too soon, for tempers were short. Boston fishermen and common workers were antagonized by the British troops hovering around the local customs house." (Mar. 5, Crispus Attucks). And we discover history within the history. The reflection for Sept. 14 focuses on Bishop Desmond Tutu preaching on transfiguration in the face of government brutality that led to the death of 25,000 individuals, mostly black South Africans. We read of Tutu again in an entry on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, created to help maintain peace when apartheid ended in 1996. Another such link comes into play with the entry for The Souls of Black Folk, written by W.E.B. DuBois and published in 1903. DuBois was instrumental in founding the NAACP, which is mentioned in several other entries. In addition, Grigsby tells us, the DuBois book inspired the search for authentic black identity by many, including Angela Davis, Stokley Carmichael, and Malcom X, all three profiled in "Footsteps." Grigsby spent six years researching material for this book written to address "the relative absence of inspirational literature regarding the legacy of black spirituality." Many will use the book according to the calendar, as Grigsby suggests, and others, whether for personal or group study, will choose reflections from the index. Regardless of the approach, the encounter will be rewarding.

I received my copy of Daryl Grigsby's book on the twelfth of October. I immediately opened it to the reflection for that day, and I was astounded! I got more information in the next five minutes about the Black Madonna than I had been able to get in fifteen years. I sat in my chair for the next ten minutes, silent and my inner being just felt so nourished. I had had pictures of the Madonna, had talked to various librarians, been online trying to put together an understanding of the history behind those pictures for a long frustrating time. And had just shook my head at the hemming and hawing, the scratching of heads, and the rolling of eyes that I had encountered. Until I read the reflection about the Madonna, I had not felt satisfied. Now I turn to it frequently. And I start off every day reading the reflection for that day. It only took 67 years of my life to find a book that would help me to believe that I can enthusiastically, compassionately, and generously be with others RIGHT HERE AND NOW!!! This book should be in the backpack of very black child and part of the frequent reading of every person who really wants to proudly live as an American. Father Joseph Oneal McGowan, Society of Jesus