Gospel Choirs: Psalms Of Survival In An Alien Land Called Home

by Derrick A. Bell

Through parables and essays, Derrick Bell offers an eloquent work of social commentary on the permanence of racism.“Gospel,” says Derrick Bell, “and particularly the gospel choir at its best, echoes the tempos of the soul searching for God’s peace in the midst of a hostile world.”Just like the songs of a gospel choir, the pieces in this book give voice to the hardships faced by African Americans. Through allegorical stories and fictional encounters, dreams, and dialogues, it presents fresh perspectives on the different issues that concern Blacks, such as the message of The Bell Curve, the Contract with America, the media’s handling of Black men, and corporate greed’s responsibility for today’s rising “White rage” and subsequent “Black blame.” Despite their tough subjects, however, these stories resound with laughter and compassion and a continuing theme of Christian love. Ultimately, like the gospel songs, they offer African Americans hope and direction as they travel the racist world they inhabit.

Genres: Cultural Studies, Nonfiction, Race, History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Derrick Albert Bell Jr. was the first tenured African-American professor of law at Harvard Law School and is largely credited as one of the originators of critical race theory (CRT). He was a visiting professor at New York University School of Law from 1991 until his death. He was also a dean of the University of Oregon School of Law. [wikipedia]

Reviews

[Caleb Ingegneri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derrick Bell critiques the heart and soul of racism with a jazz drummer's precision, a prophets' lighting fury, and the lonely tenderness of prayer.

[shemauky · Rating 4 out of 5]

“And this Sunday morning, the Lord is here because that music cannot be denied. It is the music we have known all our lives. We knew the music before we knew our faith, and when we gained faith, this was the music of our faith. It is the music that throughout our lives accompanies our going out and our coming in, our waking up and our lying down. And when in that last hour, we breathe our last breath, the songs of Zion will be, if not on our lips, at least deep in our souls where they will remain forever. Thank God for the music. Amen.”

pg. 204

A critical offering, in style and prose. Though some underlying topics or references may be dated or if its era, much of Bell’s skill here is a bit transcendent and seemingly ahead of its time.

Wonderful read, particularly for those looking for non-conventional entry points into his work. Really in awe at his ability to convey things in the manner in which they were in this text, and for the time in the world when this was released.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick Bell: a brilliant scholar, a terrific writer, and a man deeply committed to justice! Everyone complaining about critical race theory should be more familiar with his work. Gospel Choirs is a series of fictionalized essays grounded in truth, raising questions about race, reparations, masculinity, perseverance, and of course the wisdom of gospel music. I need to read "Faces at the Bottom of the Well" to round this out.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, of course, what else can you do when Professor Bell's Annual Gospel Choir is cancelled but dive into his book, Gospel Choirs?!

This book is beautifully Bell, in that it levies sharp critiques of American race relations, rides along on brilliantly creative narratives soaked in socio-political argumentation, is accessible to those in the legal profession and far afield, and maintains an overarching commitment to both justice and the beauty of music.

The stories are all worth reading, and re-reading, and one can't but help hear the choir that begins each chapter resonate through every line.