The Spirit of Justice

True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance

By: Jemar Tisby

Narrated by: Jemar Tisby

Read by the author.

The Black History You Never Knew: Uncovering Unsung Heroes in the Struggle for Racial Justice.

The Spirit of Justice reveals the stories of the people who fought against racism and agitated for justice—and what we can learn from their example, their suffering, their methods, and their hope.

How is it that people still work for change after continuously seeing the worst of humanity and experiencing the most demoralizing setbacks? What keeps them going? It is that spirit of justice that rises up "like a war horse," as Myrlie Evers-Williams famously said. It is a sense in the hearts of people who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

In this book, award-winning author Jemar Tisby will open your eyes to the "pattern of endurance" in the centuries-long struggle for Black freedom in America. Through a historical survey of the nation from its founding to the present day, this book gives real-world examples of people who opposed racism, how they did it, what it cost, and what they gained for themselves and others.

For those who were galvanized by Tisby's call to action in his acclaimed The Color of Compromise, this book will inspire you to see past the complicity of the church and gain the determination to join the fight for racial justice, no matter the cost.

As Tisby writes, "The Spirit of justice is always at work to inspire followers of Christ to undertake acts of liberation and bear witness to the good news of their savior."

The photos can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Jemar Tisby (P)2024 Zondervan

Inspiring and challenging stories of freedom.

I've followed Jemar Tisby on social media for many year. When I saw that his next book, "True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance" was available for pre-order, I knew I wanted it for my library. Tisby begins with the history of slavery in America and the rise of racism and then identifies everyday black Americans who, through courage, advance the antiracist cause in our country.

The biographical stories of faithful men and women who fought for freedom and the dignity and rights of black Americans is inspiring and challenging. I greatly appreciate the historical aspect of Dr. Tisby's book and how we can advance antiracist goals in our country today. As a lifelong Marylander, I was inspired by the story of Marylander Benjamin Banneker.

The rise of white supremacy in our country today demonstrates the need to be vigilant in our opposition to racism and advocacy for the dignity of all humanity. Jemar Tisby inspires and challenges with these inspirational biographical stories.

The audiobook is narrated by the author and the narration is excellent.

The Spirit of Justice Still Speaks

I have been twice blessed by Dr. Tisby. With his first book, "The Color or Compromise" his examples of what he calls in a recent interview "white people behaving badly", convict me. Now, with The Spirit of Justice, he inspires or "in-Spirits" me with what I would call "black people behaving courageously". In the sweep of Jemar's writing he both exposes and encourages. He calls me, as a white male, to both repent and to recommit.

Jemar acknowledges early on in the book that those he profiles (like the characters we find in the Bible) are not perfect. Yet, the Spirit of Justice, the One he embraces as the Holy Spirit, speaks in and through each personality.

I study history as an undergrad at the University of Michigan, So, I especially appreciate Jemar's effort to go beyond a secular examination of events. He finds the faith that fuels each figure. His choice to include William J. Seymour illustrates. Dr. Tisby sees a biblical faith at the root of the racially and economically diverse Azuza Street Revival. He also acknowledges that a misunderstanding of that faith causes the backlash or "whitelash" that inevitably follows.

I meet in Dr. Tisby's book some familiar friends. He also introduces me to some folks I wouldn't get to meet without his help. He gathers a diverse cast of characters. Yet, he also highlights four themes which tie them together:

1) Faith of a Franciscan sister
2) Courage of a Fannie Lou Hamer ( the 20th of 20 children)
3) Imagination of the Harvard Law School trained Charles Hamilton Houston
4) Resilience of Myrlie Evers-Williams after the racially motivated murder of her husband Medgar Evers. (Note the source of the title of the book)

Dr. Tisby draws on examples from a couple of centuries of Unites States history, Then, he concludes with examples of contemporary "Creators" through whom he believes the Spirit of Justice speaks. It is a refreshing and generous kind of footnoting.

Dr. Tisby writes the book with this question in mind: "How do you keep going when it looks like you are not winning?" By book's end, I, and perhaps you will as well, have the beginning of some answers.

Inspiration to live out God's plan for justice/righteousness

A powerful, infotmative, and inspiring truth-telling account of heroes who were/are committed to imitating Jesus...

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luke 4:18

The Spirit of Justice - An Inspiring Reminder that we are Not Alone in the Struggle

Jemar Tisby elevates the details of the lives and impact of both lesser known and well documented actors in Justice work from the past through the present. In doing so he shows that we who take up the mantle of this holy call are not alone and are not without the same divine and human resources despite the sometimes overwhelming challenges we face. I was particularly encouraged by the breadth of diverse backgrounds in the individuals he featured. There were former slaves, formerly incarcerated, immigrants, women, single mothers, and persons rising from poverty and treacherous oppression who achieved amazing success despite the odds. The question I came away with was if they could do it, why can’t I being a person who in many ways has much more privilege and power? The key ingredients of courage and imagination helped all to have the resilience to move forward to face an unknown future. Thank you Dr. Tisby for this remarkable look into the inner lives of these heroes of Justice! I’m sharing this resource as broadly as possible, especially now as we face an era of a decline in civil and human rights in the U.S. and around the globe.

Powerful and thought-provikjng

Great information - both the history and the present-day efforts to disrupt racism. The challenge to be courageous is one of the ultimate calls to action and there is no substitution.

Inspiring stories of courage

I loved learning about the bravery and resistance of the many individuals profiled in this book. So many encouraging and uplifting vignettes— many unknown to me before reading this book. Once again, Dr. Tisby’s well-researched work inspires me to take sides for justice.

So many people I never heard of but wish I did.

I am recently woke white guy now finally learning about the blacks struggle in this country. This book eloquently describes so many people that worked for justice.