Weary Throats and New Songs

Examines the rich heritage of African American women who have proclaimed--and still proclaim--God''s word. Against all odds African American women have passionately proclaimed the goodness of God and lifted up Jesus'' name despite barriers of race class denomination education and gender. In response to a sense of deliverance from evil and in gratitude for answered prayers these women have related their faith and trust in God in sacred places such as ships fields homes barns factories hospitals schools pulpits missionary societies and over kitchen sinks. Even when disenfranchised in the religious communities they helped create African American women continue to say a word about God whether they are ordained or not. This book provides a brief review of the rich heritage of African American female proclaimers and examines contemporary African American women''s sermon preparation content delivery and personhood. Brown draws heavily on interviews and conversations as well as audio and video tapes of women proclaiming God''s word to relate how and why African American women tell others about God despite resistance (weary throats) and with the help of support (new songs) in religious and social communities.