From the nineteenth through the mid-twentieth centuries, millions of American men and women participated in fraternal associations--self-selecting brotherhoods and sisterhoods that provided aid to members, enacted group rituals, and engaged in community service. Even more than whites did, African Americans embraced this type of association; indeed, fraternal lodges rivaled churches as centers of black community life in cities, towns, and rural areas alike. Using an unprecedented variety of secondary and primary sources--including old documents, pictures, and ribbon-badges found in eBay auctions--this book tells the story of the most visible African American fraternal associations. The authors demonstrate how African American fraternal groups played key roles in the struggle for civil rights and racial integration. Between the 1890s and the 1930s, white legislatures passed laws to outlaw the use of important fraternal names and symbols by blacks. But blacks successfully fought back. Employing lawyers who in some cases went on to work for the NAACP, black fraternalists took their cases all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in their favor. At the height of the modern Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, they marched on Washington and supported the lawsuits through lobbying and demonstrations that finally led to legal equality. This unique book reveals a little-known chapter in the story of civic democracy and racial equality in America.

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With warmth and biblical insight, Frazee shows us how to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit just as Jesus did; respond to God’s voice in decisions big and small; raise our expectations for how God’s power can work through us; and break free of addictions, habits, and destructive thoughts that hold us back. The Bible promises us more than inspiration. More than influence. The Bible promises us access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. So what keeps us from drawing on that incredible resurrection power in our daily lives? In His Mighty Strength, popular pastor and author Randy Frazee explores Jesus’ time on earth to uncover the amazing source of his strength. Jesus continually sought direction from the Father and found the power to live the Father’s will through the Holy Spirit. He said yes to God every day of his earthly life—and we can too. His Mighty Strength reminds us that Jesus’ resurrection power is not wishful thinking or a poetic metaphor. It’s a real source of strength that we have access to right now. And when we embrace God’s offering, our lives will never be the same. “This is not a watered-down self-help book—this is a powerful Gospel-centered guide to walking in the fullness of Christ. I challenge you to read this amazing book and accept the glorious gift of strength from Christ that enables us to live the abundant life God has promised us!” —Francesca Battistelli, Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter

Mighty in power, Jesus confronted sickness and sin-even death-with the sovereign authority that was his as the Son of God. Why did Jesus perform such miracles as the multiplication of the loaves and fish or the stilling of the storm at sea, and what is their meaning for us today? This Scripture guide will help you understand these miraculous events in the context of Jesus' life and as invitations to experience God's mercy and salvation now. Each of the six sessions includes the Scripture text of one of Jesus' miracles, a short commentary, and questions for reflection and discussion. "In the Spotlight" sections offer fascinating background information and selections from the church fathers, saints, church documents, and contemporary Catholic writers. Suitable for individuals or groups. Book jacket.

“When we believe the Bible as it is, we will see the power of God move in our lives and in our community as it did centuries ago in Bible times.” -Mel Tari Translated into dozens of languages, with millions of copies sold, Like a Mighty Wind remains a beloved classic from global evangelist Mel Tari. Recounting the incredible story of revival on the island of Timor during 1965 in the midst of political turmoil, the book is an amazing testament to the power of faith and the reality of God's power to work miracles in modern times. The Spirit of God that swept across the island “like a mighty wind” continues today throughout Indonesia although persecution of Christians is all too common. The story of God's powerful revival in this region remains a testament to the truth of God's Word, and serves as a reminder to all believers that the Spirit of God manifests in our world now as it did in the earliest days of the Church.