Black Fire Reader

"This indispensable, heritage book of precious primary documents is revolutionary and powerful in expressing how the Holy Spirit moved through hidden cultural racism, sexism, classism, and other 'isms' to spread the Holiness-Pentecostal religion."

--Sherry Sherrod DuPree, Former President of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, Library of Congress Ambassador



"This remarkable collection is an indispensable resource for students of Pentecostalism and American religious history. We now have in one volume judiciously selected writings not only of African American Pentecostals in all their diversity, but also their Holiness antecedents and charismatic offspring. By providing this reader, Alexander enables us to move beyond preconceptions and engage their actual beliefs and practices, both enriching historical study and providing insight for future ministry."

--Henry H. Knight III, Professor of Wesleyan Studies, Saint Paul School of Theology



"Black Fire Reader is a groundbreaking, historically contextualized collection of rare and engaging primary resources by African American Holiness-Pentecostals from the late 1800s to 1900s. Replete with autobiographical accounts, sermons, hymns, and other rich documents, Black Fire Reader is an outstanding compendium of African American pentecostal thought and practice. Students and scholars of black religion in general and African American Holiness-Pentecostalism will appreciate its remarkable breadth and scope."

--Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, Professor of History, Texas Southern University