J R Rothstein

The Alabama Black McGruders tells the story of Charles McGruder Sr. (1829 - 1900-c), his father Ned (1795 - 1853-c) and mother Mariah Magruder (1800 - 1880-c). Charles, the enslaved black grandson of a white slave owner, Ninian O. Magruder (1744 - 1803) was born in Alabama on the plantation of his white aunt, Eleanor Magruder Wynne (1785 - 1849) in 1829. Through a series of events, Charles, a carpenter, came to be sexually exploited and forced to sire a hundred children, including fifty-two sons, with numerous women. During the Reconstruction era, Charles, his last wife Rachel Hill (1845-1933), and their children received reparations from his white relative and enslaver, Osmun A. Wynne (1804 -1877). Charles' children established communal and business networks and institutions to support their families and communities. Today, the Alabama Black McGruders continue to impact the story of the United States in areas of culture, government, law, science, medicine, academia, and business. This is the story of their origins.

Before the ministry of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King (1929-1968), there were hundreds of other preachers that used the biblical tradition to promote a theology of equality and civil rights. This book, The Preacher of Morgantown, traces the life of one of these ministers, Rev. John Bernard Gibbs (1872-1944) of Morgantown, West Virginia. Reverend Gibbs wielded the gospel to encourage equality between black and white Americans. Contained within this book is a selection of Rev. Gibbs' sermons, some of which, helped contribute to a generational and national discourse on race relations. His ministry, compounded by the works of others like him, helped lay the foundation of a civil rights theology more than a generation later.

The Adventures of Rumi and Bixby Bear is a fun and contemplative story about a child in search of friendship. With her friend, Bixby Bear, at her side, Rumi undertakes a great journey and discovers depth and wisdom within herself.