I discovered many a child of plantation owners who loved to spend time in the slave quarters because it felt so 'real.' There was much joy and love and deep spirit in their stories and their songs that were planted in their hearts by them—even in the middle of their great trials and afflictions. Many seeds of a child's faith were planted in the arms of a Mammie who sung the songs of Jesus from her heart. The old Uncle Remus stories, recaptured in Disney's Song of the South, have been suppressed out of political correctness. Yet, they are full of moral truths delivered in the way they are best delivered—through stories that appeal to the imagination of children. I think we need to recognize and celebrate these contributions with gratitude—not apologize for them or hide them. This particular volume celebrates the lives of a number of African-Americans who teach us vital lessons on overcoming and rising from the worst circumstances any of us can imagine. Slavery, unfortunately, is not a modern invention. It is not confined to one race. But maybe we can raise a generation who will learn the lessons from the past and stand up and abolish it in all of its forms forever.

From Libraries of Hope Website