Celebrating Around the Table: Learning the Stories of Black Christians Through Readings, Fellowship, Food, and Faith

by Trillia J. Newbell

Families are invited to celebrate and learn more about Black history through the stories, food, and faith that have inspired a culture.          Every February is Black History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments and acknowledge the adversities of twelve noted African Americans. Though this month is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to learn about the impact of Black people in our culture, you don’t have to wait until February.   Featuring more than two dozen recipes, plus profiles, devotions, discussion questions (including questions for kids), and prayer prompts, Celebrating Around the Table offers you a new and refreshing resource to help you lead your family in a rich exploration of Black culture and the faith we share.   As you enjoy a taste of Southern African American cuisine, you’ll discover more about influential Black Christians, including Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Freeman, and Harriet Tubman, and many more.   Celebrate around the table with your family and gain new perspective on the African American experience.          

208 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Trillia Newbell is the author of Enjoy: Finding the Freedom to Delight Daily in God's Good Gifts (2016), Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves (2015), United: Captured by God's Vision for Diversity (2014), a children’s book, God’s Very Good Idea: A True Story of God’s Delightfully Different Family, and a six-week Bible study on Romans 8, If God is For Us: The Everlasting Truth of Our Great Salvation (releases January 2019) . Her writings on issues of faith, family, and diversity have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Desiring God, Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine, The Gospel Coalition, and more. She is currently Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. Trillia is married to her best friend, Thern, they reside with their two children near Nashville, TN. You can find her at trillianewbell.com and follow her on twitter at @trillianewbell.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative, Christ-centered introduction to the lives of several black Americans, several of whom I was previously unaware of. It was very level-headed and balanced. Trillia is able to soberly acknowledge some of the horrific things that happened to these individuals, while also recognizing God’s sovereignty and goodness in their lives.

Also, as someone who didn’t grow up with “southern cooking”, I was encouraged to try a few of the classic recipes she included. Idk why, but the “devotional/recipe book combination always seems to be a win for me, and some of my favorite recipes have come from books like this (Broken Bread by Abigail Dodds is another favorite). I made potato salad for the first time in my life while reading this book.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thoughtful, beautiful book.