The bridge to Black joy: New books about faith and community
It can feel like the world forces the Black community, throughout the United States and globally, to focus on Black pain as opposed to Black joy. Yet, it is important to consider that Black healing is a mid-point to Black joy—a bridge to optimism, inner peace, and emotional safety. The new books, "The Wounds Are the Witness: Black Faith Weaving Memory into Justice and Healing" by Yolanda Pierce and "No One Left Alone: A Story of How Community Helps Us Heal" by Liz Walker, work to create a viable path toward resilience, self-compassion, and grace for a healthier Black future.
The Wounds Are the Witness: Black Faith Weaving Memory into Justice and Healing" by Yolanda Pierce
Dr. Yolanda Pierce's "The Wounds Are the Witness: Black Faith Weaving Memory into Justice and Healing" is a journey through the intersections of Black faith, suffering, and the transformative potential of justice. A scholar and dean at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Pierce draws on the rich traditions of thinkers like James Cone and Kelly Brown Douglas to examine the profound connections between pain, memory, and the pursuit of healing.
"The Wounds Are the Witness" reminds us that to work for liberation in a world rife with injustice, we cannot turn a blind eye to the realities of suffering. The book brings to light historical wounds, such as the legacy of the Middle Passage, systemic injustices faced by Black veterans, and the harrowing experiences of women in prison.
Each of these stories serves as a testament not only to the pain endured but also to the resilience and faith of a people who refuse to be silenced. This acknowledgment becomes a source of hope—by recognizing and bearing witness to our wounds, we can reimagine faith and transfigure hope. In this reimagining, the truth of our injuries becomes the foundation for extraordinary healing work.
No One Left Alone: A Story of How Community Helps Us Heal" by Liz Walker
In her compelling new book, "No One Left Alone: A Story of How Community Helps Us Heal," Liz Walker—the first Black woman to anchor the evening news in the Boston area—witnessed firsthand the media's often narrow portrayal of Roxbury, a community marked by violence and trauma.
Walker's narrative centers on the concept of "soft spaces": environments where individuals can safely express their sorrow and share their stories. These gatherings became vital outlets for those burdened by grief, not just providing a platform for emotional expression but also fostering a sense of community. The meals shared, the tears shed, and the silences held within these spaces allowed participants to experience their sorrow collectively, transforming isolation into solidarity. Upon becoming a pastor, Walker discovered a richer, more complex narrative—one defined not only by suffering but also by courage, resilience, and a deep longing for connection.
Through her reflections, Walker invites readers to envision similar story-sharing groups in their own contexts, encouraging us to confront the stark disparities of grief wrought by systemic racism and inequality. She emphasizes the importance of listening—an act that may seem simple but holds profound healing potential. The art of accompanying someone in pain becomes a sacred practice, where both the caregiver and the grieving individual can find solace in shared humanity.
