Little Zion

A Church Baptized by Fire

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Folklore & Mythology, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies, History
Cover of the book Little Zion by Shelly O'Foran, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Shelly O'Foran ISBN: 9780807876664
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: January 5, 2009
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Shelly O'Foran
ISBN: 9780807876664
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: January 5, 2009
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

The arson attacks in early 2006 on a number of small Baptist churches in rural Alabama recalled the rash of burnings at dozens of predominantly black houses of worship in the South during the mid-1990s. One of the churches struck by probable arson in 1996 was Little Zion Baptist Church in Boligee, Alabama. This book draws on the voices and memories of church members to share a previously undocumented history of Little Zion, from its beginnings as a brush arbor around the time of emancipation, to its key role in the civil rights movement, to its burning and rebuilding with the help of volunteers from around the world.

Folklorist Shelly O'Foran, a Quaker who went to Boligee as a volunteer in the church rebuilding effort, describes Little Zion as always having been much more than the building itself. She shows how the spiritual and social traditions that the residents of Boligee practice and teach their children have assured the continued vitality of the church and community. Through thoughtful fieldwork and presentation, Little Zion also explores the power of oral narrative to promote understanding between those inside and outside the church community. Illustrated with historical and contemporary photographs, this volume is both a celebration of Little Zion's history and an invitation to share in its long life story.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The arson attacks in early 2006 on a number of small Baptist churches in rural Alabama recalled the rash of burnings at dozens of predominantly black houses of worship in the South during the mid-1990s. One of the churches struck by probable arson in 1996 was Little Zion Baptist Church in Boligee, Alabama. This book draws on the voices and memories of church members to share a previously undocumented history of Little Zion, from its beginnings as a brush arbor around the time of emancipation, to its key role in the civil rights movement, to its burning and rebuilding with the help of volunteers from around the world.

Folklorist Shelly O'Foran, a Quaker who went to Boligee as a volunteer in the church rebuilding effort, describes Little Zion as always having been much more than the building itself. She shows how the spiritual and social traditions that the residents of Boligee practice and teach their children have assured the continued vitality of the church and community. Through thoughtful fieldwork and presentation, Little Zion also explores the power of oral narrative to promote understanding between those inside and outside the church community. Illustrated with historical and contemporary photographs, this volume is both a celebration of Little Zion's history and an invitation to share in its long life story.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Racial Taxation by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book The Trials of Laura Fair by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Illusions of Emancipation by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book For Social Peace in Brazil by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Building a Housewife's Paradise by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book The Education of Blacks in the South, 1860-1935 by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Demography and Degeneration by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Conceiving Freedom by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book My Desire for History by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Managing White Supremacy by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book American Growth and the Balance of Payments, 1820-1913 by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book The Thanks of the Fatherland by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Rivers and the Power of Ancient Rome by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Recaptured Africans by Shelly O'Foran
Cover of the book Immigrants on the Land by Shelly O'Foran
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy