On Thursday, February 28 at 6pm, Labyrinth Books (122 Nassau St., Princeton) presents Elaine Pagels, Eddie Glaude & Tara Bedeau for an evening in tribute and celebration of James Cones life and work.
“James H. Cone is widely recognized as the founder of Black Liberation Theology a synthesis of the Gospel message embodied by Martin Luther King, Jr., and the spirit of Black pride embodied by Malcolm X. Prompted by the Detroit riots and the death of King, Cone, a young theology professor, was impelled to write his first book, Black Theology and Black Power, followed by A Black Theology of Liberation. With these works he established himself as one of the most prophetic and challenging voices of our time.
In his powerful and passionate posthumously published memoir, Cone describes the obstacles he overcame to find his voice, to respond to the signs of the times, and to offer a voice for thoselike the parents who raised him in Bearden, Arkansas in the era of lynching and Jim Crowwho had no voice. Recounting lessons learned both from critics and students, and the ongoing challenge of his models King, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin, he describes his efforts to use theology as a tool in the struggle against oppression and for a better world.”
This was a fabulous and stirring program. I feel blessed having attended. But now I have two, new books to read. Thank God at least Cone’s doesn’t look too long!