John knew what it meant to follow Jesus. He witnessed the Transfiguration and stayed at the foot of the cross during Jesus’ crucifixion. Learn more John’s life of faith. The Favorite Disciple In the first century a.d., John was a very common Jewish name. It means “God is merciful”… Read More

The Queen of Sheba was a wealthy woman who brought tribute to King Solomon. Sheba was a land southwest of Arabia, or in Africa near the Straits of Babel-mandeb.- The Queen of Sheba was a wealthy woman who played a prominent role in international trade and commerce. Thus… Read More

Moses’ wife was probably Cushite. Read more about her and see where she is mentioned in the Bible. Zipporah Some scholars purport that Moses’ Cushite wife (Numbers 12.1) was probably Zipporah, the Daughter of Jethro, the priest from Midian. Midianites are believed to have descended from Ham through… Read More

The Old and New Testament include numerous references to African individuals. Learn more about this legacy. The view of Africa that has evolved in recent centuries has little or no historical integrity inasmuch as it reflects Eurocentric interpretations of the Bible. However, new light is shining on biblical… Read More

Simon helped Jesus carry his cross to Calvary. Read more about him here. Simon was the one who helped Jesus bear the cross. He was from Cyrene, a major city in North Africa (Matthew 27.32; Mark 15.21; Luke 23.26). This was a unique opportunity for Simon to be selected to… Read More

As a congressman and pastor Powell spearheaded government reform projects that fought poverty and injustice. Born to a middle-class family in 1908, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. was educated in the New York City public school systems, and later attended Colgate University. As a young man, he was concerned about… Read More

Throughout its history, the mission of American Bible Society has benefited from the work of many African Americans. Read more about this history. The Bible has played a significant role in African-American religious experience. It has been a foundation for devotion and spirituality and, for many, a primary… Read More

King’s legacy of non-violent protest has influenced generations of Americans. Use these meditations to further engage with King’s message. The following meditations recall the dream and vision of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His was a dream embedded in his faith in God and in Jesus’… Read More

Harriet Tubman is most famous for helping over 300 people escape from slavery. But she also spied for the Union army, spoke for women’s rights and accepted a medal from Queen Victoria of England. Read more about Tubman’s accomplishments here. Harriet Ross Tubman was often referred to in African American… Read More

Douglass was a powerful advocate for freedom and equality before and after the Civil War. Read more about his life and legacy here. Frederick Douglass was born in 1817 in Maryland. As a young boy, he was taught to read by his mistress who kept him as a house… Read More