If I Perish, I Perish by E. A. Preston

(Published Winter 2007) It is hard to find a biblical text that more vividly parallels a snippet of The Civil Rights Movement than is found in the Book of Esther. For those who are not familiar with this splendid and divine book, please find the time and read it in its entirety. God’s name is not mentioned a single time within its 10 chapters but the story of Esther is one of those readings in which His providence, protection, provision and power could not be more easily discerned. It is one of those books that could even push a self-proclaimed atheist to discreetly scratch his or her chin and wonder, “Could it be?” 

For those who are unfamiliar with the study and refuse to read it, here is the “McVersion” of the book. As a young maiden, Esther is chosen to replace Queen Vashti who was banished from privilege and power for refusing to parade her physical beauty before a prideful King Ahasuerus and his drunken and lustful cronies. Esther, a young “Jewish sister” is chosen as Vashti’s replacement and quickly wins the king’s heart and respect.  When Naaman, an enemy of the Jews is determined to annihilate them, Mordecai, the new queen’s older cousin steps to her with this timely proclamation: “…thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” I am pleased to report that Esther accepted the challenge and risked her own life in order to deliver her people from certain genocide. But not only were the Jews spared, Naaman was then hanged on the very gallows he had constructed for their death. Isn’t that just like God?

 Esther proved once again, that only those who are “available for suffering and death” will have any chance to impact and reverse the evil trends in society. It is easy to confirm that nothing was ever accomplished in the African-American community until heroes and sheroes cared enough to risk his or her life or face arrest or unemployment.  It is also easy for us to think about Martin and Medgar because of their storied sacrifices. We also think of men and women like Nat Turner and Harriet Tubman for their bravery in earlier generations.

But the focus of this writing is for us to recognize and laud the selfless contributions of only one group – the committed African-American women of the formal Civil Rights Movement. Again, it is all too easy to think of the obvious choices – Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King. Let me hasten to say that we should think of and appreciate all the aforementioned people for their high profile and dangerous service. There were others who lead and assisted in the structured movement and guaranteed that legislation landed on the president’s desk and ultimately signed and enacted. Names like Victoria Gray Adams, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Annie Devine spring to mind. But I want us to “see, hear, and hug” those sisters whose names were not well-known and whose voices often gave instruction and encouragement to an audience of only one – the “everyday and ordinary” wives, mothers, teachers, and neighbors that fueled much of the movement. 

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