A monthly column from Robert Ellsberg, Publisher Orbis Books.

Dear Friends,

The daily news is filled with reasons for cynicism and discouragement. In such times, with seemingly so little cause for celebration, it is always worthwhile to remember, honor, and celebrate the stories of those who have carried the banner of freedom, justice, and human dignity. 

During Black History Month it is particularly important to recall the courageous story of the Black freedom struggle in this country and its illustrious heroes and heroines. Some of the names are well-known: Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Medgar Evers. Others—school children, sharecroppers, ordinary men and women who rose to the full measure of their humanity—are forgotten.

Vincent Harding, drawing on his extensive experience as a participant-historian in the movement, has written an eloquent, informed, and impassioned call to remember and to share this story. Hope and History: Why We Must Share the Story of the Movement, focuses on the profound significance of the freedom struggle for our lives as citizens today. In this book, originally intended as a companion to the acclaimed PBS Series, "Eyes on the Prize" (for which he served as senior advisor), Harding addresses "educators" of all types, reflecting on the movement’s lessons about nonviolence, democracy, and social change.

In this revised edition he has addressed the ongoing journey reflected in the election of the first African-American president of the United States—an achievement that builds directly on the actions and sacrifices of those who went before. In a final "Letter to my Brother and Son, the President," Harding addresses President Obama, celebrating his historic election, while challenging him to live up to and surpass the hopes of the world.

Meanwhile, another life to celebrate: that of Sister Thea Bowman, African American Franciscan, teacher, prophet, one of the most inspiring figures in the American Catholic Church. In Thea's Song: The Life of Thea Bowman, Charlene Smith and John Feister have written her definitive biography. Thea Bowman grew up in the segregated South, joined a convent of white Catholic sisters in Wisconsin, and went on to inspire millions of all faiths and none through her music, words, and example. She fought prejudice, sadness, and all the things that drive people apart. She brought joy to others even during her struggle with cancer and long after her untimely death in 1990.

Thea's motto, "Let me live until I die!" comes alive in this enlightening and moving work that includes never-before-seen archival writings, interviews and photographs.

And for a broader examination of the "Black Catholic Experience" today, Uncommon Faithfulness assembles essays by some of the leading Black Catholic scholars in America, reflecting on history, theology, and contemporary pastoral concerns. In the words of editor M. Shawn Copeland, "If the heart of Christianity is remaining faithful, both in season and out of season, no one has more to teach their fellow believers than black Catholics, who have remained unwavering in their faith against all odds. Welcome, dear reader, to this book and its journey among the uncommonly faithful."

Welcome indeed!