An Editorial Review: Dr. James McCray

Moms Keepsake: A window into post-Great Migration African American/Black life, hopes, and desires.

Through the thoughts and prayers of a spiritually grounded mother, born in Central America and reared in the USA, the reader of Keepsake receives an introduction to the meaning of life under a “banner of love.” In each individual Keepsake, there are glorious glimpses and earthy insights into the internal pillars of Black American culture during the Great Migration, the period from World War II to the Civil Rights Movement. In Keepsake lies the foundation of Black spirituality, philosophy, and home education, which nurtures and catalyzes the people’s pursuit of freedom and progress toward community during the historical era that marked the Black family’s journey from segregation to integration into American society.  Keepsake by Melida Nelson is a powerful, insightful work of literature by an anointed, consecrated, faithful woman pronouncing  a blessing upon her children, children’s children, neighborhood, church, and world. Not unlike the biblical ancestor Jacob in the 49th chapter of the book of Genesis, Melida Nelson employs God’s enduring wisdom and word to instruct and guide her children.  It is the Word for you, “child” — whatever your age, your time, your town. 

So powerful is the witness of her Voice that the children who received the oracles had to do the hard work of canonizing and curating the material to share with the world— blessed memories, lessons they received and employed themselves over a lifetime, they share with the readers to enhance their lives. Here continues MELIDA Nelson’s theology of action for a new generation. 

Over every stroke of the pen and hovering over every word on the page is the theme: “The Banner Over Me Is Love.” This love gives the work credibility, as it demonstrates itself in the strength of her walk and gives validity to her heart’s desire to leave a spiritual footprint. The love is made real within the reader as the beauty of the author’s call to unique service manifests itself like a burning bush in a life lived and shared. One can sense God is near, calling “even me” to stop the masquerade and join the work of healing through my relationships. Spiritual mentorship comes into sharp relief. 

In straining to listen, the reader is transformed into one of Melida Nelson’s Vessels of Honor, one of her children, challenged to be guided into healing and wholeness, through instruction, prayer and the telling of her story of character and morality. Trust, the reader is told; for everything has a purpose. Ask, what God would have you do. Believe, and God will do great things in you and through you. From opening to ending, the book extends her nurturing into and beyond the next generation. In 60 Keepsakes, this phenomenal woman peels back the covering over wisdom’s presence and makes available to the reader the Banner of Love.

“Assemble and hear, O Vessels of Honor; Listen and hearken…” (Genesis 49:2 paraphrased)

Dr. James McCray, Jr., Executive Director, Tabernacle CDC, San Francisco, CA