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Author Uncovers Unsung African-American History of Salvation Army
BlackNews.com
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Author
Warren L. Maye and wife (in suits) with Salvation Army officers
(in uniform) |
As
Booker T. Washington noted in 1896, the work of The Salvation
Army was welcome in the southern United States because it "draws
no color line in religion." The same trials and tribulations
that would affect the rest of the nation, however, would also be
reflected in The Salvation Army through time.
Author Warren Maye's unflinching resolve to bring the truths of
the organization to light includes candid looks at racism, an
alternative account of The Salvation Army's founding in America
and anecdotes of how black Americans affected by slavery were
served by and contributed to the growth of The Salvation Army
USA. This historical overview is the result
of eight years of steady research, which follows Maye's more
than 100 other articles documenting various historical aspects
of the African-American experience and highlighting
contributions of people of color. By turns provocative and
uplifting, Soldiers of Uncommon Valor is now being shared
publicly to expose yet more truths of black history in America.
The
discoveries within Soldiers of Uncommon Valor are
"another well-kept secret that add to the pride of being an
African-American and a Christian," says community activist Merle
Petersen George of Spring Valley, New York. |
"I have gone to great lengths to affirm the credibility,
authenticity, and accuracy of each account," says Maye, "and I
have attempted to tell the story of black Salvationists from
their own perspectives..."
Maye shared the personal stories he uncovered during Black
History Month and will continue touring and speaking at least
until the conclusion of National Salvation Army Week (May
11-17), engaging with students, educators, religious enthusiasts
and history buffs on a face-to-face basis. In keeping with the
revolutionary content of the book, Maye is most interested in
increasing grassroots awareness.
"Documentation dating back to 1872 shows that people of color
added something special to Salvation Army ministry," says Maye.
"The book is designed to take you on a fascinating journey
through distinct eras in Salvation Army and African-American
history. As you meet the many people woven throughout this text,
perhaps you will recognize yourself among them." |
Soldiers of Uncommon Valor book display |
About Author Warren Maye: Warren L. Maye, B.F.A., M.A., is
Editor and a contributing writer for Good News!, a
monthly news magazine of The Salvation Army USA Eastern
Territory. He is also a contributing editor and writer for
Priority!, a quarterly magazine about people touched by The
Salvation Army's work nationwide. Warren Maye has chronicled The
Salvation Army's work for 27 years while serving at various
levels within the organization. He has worked in publishing for
more than 30 years and has designed history textbooks for Harper
& Row Publishers (now HarperCollins) as well as other companies.
Other books he has co-authored are Orita: Rites of Passage
for youth of African Descent in America (2000), which was
written in partnership with his wife, Dr. Marilyn Maye, and
When Your Whole World Changes (2004), which is published by
the International Bible Society.
About Others Press: Others Press is the official
publishing house of The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory.
Several contemporary Christian books are available through
Others Press to date, with the next release, Will You Choose
Joy?, anticipated for release in March 2009.
About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is an
evangelical part of the universal Christian church that has been
serving mankind without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33
million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army
each year through a broad array of social services for people of
all ages. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to
support these services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide.
For more information, visit
www.salvationarmyusa.org |
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