Keeping the Faith: Stories of Love, Courage, Healing and Hope from Black America

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An inspiring collection of personal narratives about love, loss, and faith by African Americans from all walks of life, assembled and introduced by the popular author, NPR talk-show host, and “PrimeTime” correspondent Tavis Smiley.

Tavis Smiley, commentator, social activist, and the author of several acclaimed books, brings together a collection of one hundred original, firsthand accounts drawn from the lives of ordinary African Americans in his new book, Keeping the Faith. Highlighting the hopes and dreams, spirit and soul of the African-American community, and written in the bestselling tradition of books by Iyanla Vanzant and Susan L. Taylor, Keeping the Faith shines a beacon of light on the inner strength, conviction, passion, and courage that ties black people everywhere together.

Written by African Americans from all walks of life, as well as a sprinkling of more famous individuals, including Cornel West, Angela Basset, Jill Scott, Les Brown, Iyanla Vanzant, and E. Lynn Harris, the stories, reminiscences, and testimonies in Keeping the Faith share lessons learned about family, heritage, and the celebration of black culture–illuminating moments that touched the contributors' lives in special ways. Organized into specific themes, the book explores such vital topics as black love, overcoming personal or cultural obstacles, grief and love, healing and hope, and community and learning. Smiley provides a heartfelt introduction to each chapter, in addition to contributing stories from his own life and experience. The book will also include a special section devoted to the impact of the World Trade Center tragedy and its aftermathon the African-American community.

A stirring celebration of the abiding and profound spirituality that nurtures and sustains so much of the African-American community, Keeping the Faith is a book of affirmation and inspiration for all.Author Biography: TAVIS SMILEY, who hosted his own nightly talk show on BET for four years, is now a regular correspondent for CNN, as well as a contributing correspondent on “Good Morning America” and “PrimeTime.” His hour-long daily radio talk show on NPR debuted in January 2002. His is also a regularly weekly commentator on ABC radio's enormously popular Tom Joyner show. And his monthly newsletter, The Smiley Report, reaches more than three million readers. The author of How to Make Black America Better, Doing What's Right, and Hard Left, he lives in Los Angeles, California.