Power of self-help.

Deanna, this is a thoughtful, thorough summary of Cornell West.  Thank you.  What intrigues your humble servant here is the place of the church, religion, Christianity in the history of black Americans.  For years, it has been the focal point of guidance for healthy standards, living in black communities.  We frankly need more of them!  This writer believes in the power of self-help, for what people do for themselves they value.  It is also grounded in the realities, needs of the communities around them.  Last year, this writer heard a major political figure in his state (Wisconsin) point to this fact.  This politician won this writer over because he had the courage to say out loud what others fear to say because of "separation of church and state" and other such anti-Christian rhetoric.  Yes, this writer sees hope in our black churches.  Dr. Rux  P.S. This writer has worked with black churches in the central city of Milwaukee on educational projects to enable the churches to reach out.  He is proud of having done this over a period of 10 years.  Thanks. Dr. Rux