Dr. Elizabeth Branch / Elizabeth Grady Branch
Part 1 introduces CHOSEN VESSELS: PROMOTING THE UNITY OF AMERICA’S PROMISES BEFORE THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL. I started our project by sharing and exploring a bit of historical information passed down through schooling, informally or formally. Chapters 1-14 consist of lived experiences and real life 'learnings.' Quotes, discussions, conversations, primary firsthand and researched sources to dialogue about the realities of racism in America are shared. Its purpose is to establish a foundation and premise from our point of references and backgrounds as 'seasoned' proud African American faith-based citizens. Part 2 includes vignettes of brief information about some of America’s influential Black and White heroes and sheroes who tried to work boldly toward racial dignity and harmony, over two hundred years ago. That is correct, even during slavery times, these personalities fought valiantly and bravely against the dehumanizing, cruel, and sinful institution of slavery and its existence in America. They fought together, for unity and dignity of all races. They fought against hate. Part 3 continues with more vignettes about Black and White Americans’ heroic attempts to unite and erase provisions for racial abuse and disharmony conducted during the period of post slavery. The Reconstruction era, Jim Crow laws, and Civil Rights Movement battles were fought by these fearless and courageous Americans. They tried to move America toward freedom and equal rights, as promised in the Constitution and other legal documents, to all. Part 4 offers a summary and a conclusive statement to encourage young American citizens to continue to press forward in the fight against hatred, violence, and divisiveness. All parts of this project are designed to encourage, uplift, and prompt further civil discussions, continuous positive dialogue, and with respect. We encourage and promote these encounters from a fresh and faith-based perspective. This work is dedicated to our talented precious young scholars and their friends of all colors and races.
