THE BEATITUDES: FROM SLAVERY TO CIVIL RIGHTS by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Tim Ladwig (Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2010, $16.99) comes to us, not as a story per se, but rather a free verse poem loosely based on the Beatitudes from Jesus’ sermon on the Mount. Since the early days of slavery African Americans have called on religion to help them endure and flourish.
Carole Weatherford has built a free verse poem quoting from the Beatitudes to delineate the highlights of the struggle African American faced from slavery up to modern times ending dramatically with these words: “Even now I am with the downtrodden and with those who seek uplift. I am holy water in the stream of humanity, Drink, bathe, and be free.”
Indeed the Weatherford words are strong, but they only emphasize the powerful, powerful art from Mr Ladwig. The images he has painted to accompany each page are nothing short of spectacular. They cry to be displayed prominently in every public place of assembly or worship. They add fire to the powerful words spoken and written of so long ago.
This is a book for every home, every library, every classroom in the world. It speaks universally to us all.