From rap music to preaching, from Toni Morrison to Leonard Jeffries, from Michael Jackson to Michael Jordan, Reflecting Black explores as never before the varied and complex dimensions of African-American culture through personal reflection, expository journalism, scholarly investigation and even homily. Michael Dyson skillfully explores various quarters of contemporary culture, presenting a fascinating array of places, personalities and perspectives. Even the book's postmodernist format, with its mix of long and brief essays, reviews, interviews, editorials and reflections, is adventurous. Dyson clusters his musings into three categories: black popular culture; issues of race, gender and class; and black religion. He lifts up alternatives to the hopelessness which engulfs inner-city communities, and offers strategies of resistance and empowerment. This seminal text has much to add to the discussions in congregations, seminaries and the public square. --Review from "Christian Century" magazine

PART 3: THIS FAR BY FAITH: BLACK RELIGION-3.16: Mixed Blessings: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Lessons of an Ambiguous Heroism-3.17: Martin and Malcolm Improvising-3.18: For Jonathan's Sake: The Morality of Memory -- 3.19: Rap culture, the Church, and American Society Improvise-3.20: "God Almighty Has Spoken from Washington D.C.-3.21: The Promise and Perils of Contemporary Gospel Music Improvisin.