- A celebration of the journey of African-American women toward a new spirituality grounded in social awareness, black American tradition, metaphysics, and heightened creativity. - Features illuminating insights from Alice Walker, Toni Cade Bambara, Lucille Clifton, Dolores Kendrick, Sonia Sanchez, Michele Gibbs, Geraldine McIntosh, Masani Alexis DeVeaux and Namonyah Soipan. - By a widely published scholar, poet, and activist who has been interviewed by the press, television, and National Public Radio's All Things Considered From the last part of the twentieth century through today, African-American women have experienced a revival of spirituality and creative force, fashioning a uniquely African-American way to connect with the divine. In Soul Talk , Akasha Gloria Hull examines this multifaceted spirituality that has both fostered personal healing and functioned as a formidable weapon against racism and social injustice. Through fascinating and heartfelt conversations with some of today's most creative and powerful women--women whose spirituality encompasses, among others, traditional Christianity, Tibetan Buddhism, Native American teachings, meditation, the I Ching, and African-derived ancestral reverence--the author explores how this new spiritual consciousness is manifested, how it affects the women who practice it, and how its effects can be carried to others. Using a unique and readable blend of interviews, storytelling, literary critique, and practical suggestions of ways readers can incorporate similar renewal into their daily lives, Soul Talk shows how personal and social change are possible through reconnection with the spirit.
In Soul Talk, Akasha Hull has interviewed African American women who openly acknowledge their otherworldly spiritual experiences. Chapters on women such as the poet Lucille Clifton show how difficult yet exhilarating it is to live in a fluid spiritual realm. That "other" world beckons irresistibly to the soul while baffling the quotidian mind. This is a truly original work of scholarship, imaginatively conceived and elegantly written.
Soul Talk The New Spirituality of African American Women
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
I return to this book often as its' pages are rich with stories, narrative and insight. It helps lift the lenses through which I see the world and opens the door to new places - or old and forgotten places. Through each reading my understanding evolves. This is a book that will stay in my permanent collection and grow increasingly dog-eared with use.
Anonymous
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I am a white woman who for years has sought to enhance my traditional concepts of religion (Christianity, Islam, Judaism etc.) by exploring alternative forms of spirituality. I was surprised and even a bit "shocked" to discover this pragmatic, mainstream, woman-of-color author. Her wide exposure, deep understanding, and ability to process a powerful and elusive spirituality--and then transmit this knowledge and experience back to the rest of us in a lucid and matter-of-fact manner--is very impressive. For those of us on the seeking path, this book is a wonderful addition to our library and spiritual community as it validates that we are not alone in our journey--regardless of race, religion, and gender.
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