There is much that can be said about William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (February 23, 1868 – August 27, 1963). He was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, and Pan-Africanist. You can read more about his life’s work here and here.
What I will say about Du Bois is that his writings have opened me up to a world I never really knew. Whether it is The Souls of Black Folk, Black Reconstruction in America, or his short stories and essays, Du Bois has something to say to us today. It’s what makes this prayer a powerful expression of resilient faith. His time, context, and work made him acutely aware of his need for grace for the moment. We need grace for ours.
Now to his prayer.
Give us grace, O God, to dare to do the deed which we well know cries to be done. Let us not hesitate because of ease, or the words of [other’s] mouths, or our own lives. Mighty causes are calling us–the freedom of women, the training of children, the putting down of hate and murder and poverty–all these and more. But they call with voices that mean work and sacrifice and death. Mercifully grant us, O God the spirit of esther, that we say: I will go unto the King and if I perish, I perish. Amen.
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About Fred
Fred came to serve greater Williamsburg and WCC as lead pastor in October of 2010 and is grateful to be a part of the family. He is a husband, father, certified trauma professional, S.T.A.R. (strategies for trauma awareness & resilience) practitioner, community organizer, TEDx alum, founder of 3e Restoration, Inc. and co-owner of Philoxenia Culture LLC. He received his B.S. in Ministry/Bible at Amridge University and his Master’s of Religious Education in Missional Leadership from Rochester University. Currently he is a candidate for a Doctorate of Ministry in Contextual Theology in at Northern Seminary in Chicago. Fred has also served as an adjunct professor for Rochester University and Regent University where taught courses in philosophy, ethics, leadership, pastoral care, intro to Christianity, and ethnography. He has also served as a guest lecturer on the subjects of racialized cultural systems, poverty, and missiology at various universities, such as William & Mary and Oklahoma Christian University. Fred has authored on book (Racialized Cultural Systems, Social Displacement and Christian Hospitality) and several curriculum offerings, including The FloorPlan: Living Toward Restoration & Resilience.
Fred enjoys hanging out with his family anytime, anywhere. He is deeply grateful for how God graciously works through the Church in all her various forms, despite our brokenness. He is passionate about seeing the last, least, and lonely of every neighborhood, city and nation experience God’s in-breaking kingdom, and come to know Jesus as King. Oh, and his favorite season is Advent and Christmas.
Fred is a founding member of the board of directors for Virginia Racial Healing Institute, a member of the leadership team for Williamsburg's local chapter of Coming to the Table, and a member of Greater Williamsburg Trauma-Informed Community Network's Racial Trauma Committee and Training Committee.
Long Way Here 