Too many people think that the civil rights movement only involved black people, but many white people, including white Southerners, shared Martin Luther King Jr.'s faith and his commitment to justice. In too many cases, their stories have not been told, but Bob Shands tells one such story in his book, "In My Father's House".
Bob's father, Norman Shands, was a Southern Baptist minister living in Atlanta, Georgia. As early as the 1950's, Norman and other white ministers tried to tell their church members (as well as their community) that all good Christians should be opposed to hatred, racism and injustice.
Although these white ministers may not have been successful in persuading a majority of white Southerners to share their point of view, Norman Shands and his colleagues should be recognized for the stand they took in difficult times. Bob Shands learned many important lessons in his father's house, and I am glad he has shared them in his book. As Americans, we still have along way to go to put the old habits of hatred and racism behind us. This book challenges us to do that.
Bob's father, Norman Shands, was a Southern Baptist minister living in Atlanta, Georgia. As early as the 1950's, Norman and other white ministers tried to tell their church members (as well as their community) that all good Christians should be opposed to hatred, racism and injustice.
Although these white ministers may not have been successful in persuading a majority of white Southerners to share their point of view, Norman Shands and his colleagues should be recognized for the stand they took in difficult times. Bob Shands learned many important lessons in his father's house, and I am glad he has shared them in his book. As Americans, we still have along way to go to put the old habits of hatred and racism behind us. This book challenges us to do that.
Dr. Kent Koppelman, Professor Emeritus
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Co-Author of Understanding Human Differences: Multicultural Education for a Diverse America
Allyn & Bacon, Incorporated, 2nd Edition, copyright 2007
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Co-Author of Understanding Human Differences: Multicultural Education for a Diverse America
Allyn & Bacon, Incorporated, 2nd Edition, copyright 2007
I found Bob's book extremely engaging, both as a personal piece of true insight and emotion, and as a detailed exposition of a time in Southern and Atlanta history that needs examination.
Bob's portayal of his father's life and decisions at that time give a sense of the urgent and emotional inner conflicts, while representing a number of perspectives of other Atlantans. The description of the politics and the region as a whole is most engaging as a true lesson grounded in Civil Rights history.
As a life-long Atlantan, I only realized the specifics of that era after reading Bob's book. It really broadened my sense of home and my understanding of the turmoil of that time not so long ago. I think it should be referenced by all history teachers when exploring the South in the 50's. I commend him for beinig so open with his readers.
Bob's portayal of his father's life and decisions at that time give a sense of the urgent and emotional inner conflicts, while representing a number of perspectives of other Atlantans. The description of the politics and the region as a whole is most engaging as a true lesson grounded in Civil Rights history.
As a life-long Atlantan, I only realized the specifics of that era after reading Bob's book. It really broadened my sense of home and my understanding of the turmoil of that time not so long ago. I think it should be referenced by all history teachers when exploring the South in the 50's. I commend him for beinig so open with his readers.
Lauren Gunderson, Atlanta
writing a play about the Manifesto for The Theatrical Outfit and Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
www.laurengunderson.com
writing a play about the Manifesto for The Theatrical Outfit and Regional Council of Churches of Atlanta
www.laurengunderson.com
Bob Shands provided an entertaining, yet educational and enlightening lecture on June 23, 2007 for the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. He has been one of our most outstanding speakers of the year. As Mr. Shands shared his work, you could see the emotional, educational ride the spectators were drawn through via his story. His experiences, as they relate to the civil rights struggle, provide a view of how the African American diaspora impacted one man's views.
Mr. Shands, obviously, puts his heart in his work, as it permeates the room.
Mr. Shands, obviously, puts his heart in his work, as it permeates the room.
Stephanie L. Ross, Director of Operations
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and State Museum
Kansas City, MO
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and State Museum
Kansas City, MO
"In My Father's House" is so much more than a look back in time or a chronology of events. Yes, it is a son's recount of the impact his father made on his life and the lives of so many others. And yes, it provides real life insight into the human struggles entwined within the civil rights movement of the 60's. But, beyond these achievements, it provides a boy's eye view of blindness - both danger blindness and color blindness. For that's what so many people of courage were provided through their unyielding commitment to Christ. This book gives us a glimpse into this greatest generation who fought the war on inequality that was waged across the south two decades after World War II.
Ron Benjamin, businessman
Leawood, KS
Leawood, KS
copyright 2008 Bushel Basket Publishing, LLC 2129 E. Jamestown Dr., Olathe, KS 66062 913-787-4572
"In My Father's House" is a riveting story about a White Baptist preacher's valor and character during the tumultous times of segregation, oppression, and racism in the deep south. Bob retells story after story of hope, courage, love, and intentional confrontation of the wicked head of Jim Crow laws and injustices that he witnessed in churches and society. "In My Father's House" shares lessons learned by the author while growing up as the son of a courageous Baptist preacher who demonstrated acceptance of all people regardless of race and refused to accept the status quo of prejudice and injustice.
Bob's story will compel and challenge you to reflect on your own recollections of racism, prejudice and discrimination in America while confronting the ugly face of racism and inequality that is still ubiquitous today.
Bob's story will compel and challenge you to reflect on your own recollections of racism, prejudice and discrimination in America while confronting the ugly face of racism and inequality that is still ubiquitous today.
Anthony L. Moore, Ed.D
Diversity and Culture Educator and Consultant
Professor of Education and Assistant to the President for Diversity and Cultural Competency
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS
Diversity and Culture Educator and Consultant
Professor of Education and Assistant to the President for Diversity and Cultural Competency
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS