Carved in Ebony

Lessons from the Black Women Who Shape Us

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Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Maria Fearing, Charlotte Forten Grimké, Sarah Mapps Douglass, Sara Griffith Stanley, Amanda Berry Smith, Lucy Craft Laney, Maria Stewart, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

These names may not be familiar, but each one of these women was a shining beacon of devotion in a world that did not value their lives. They worked to change laws, built schools, spoke to thousands, shared the Gospel around the world. And while history books may have forgotten them, their stories can teach us so much about what it means to be modern women of faith.

Through the research and reflections of author Jasmine Holmes, you will be inspired by what each of these exceptional women can teach us about the intersections of faith and education, birth, privilege, opportunity, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominantly white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books and church history to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith.

Join Jasmine on this journey of illuminating these women--God's image-bearers, carved in ebony.

Endorsements

"Too often, the stories of faithful Black women have been lost to history. Thankfully, Jasmine Holmes has done the hard work of bringing these stories to light by chasing down footnotes and searching through archives for her new book, Carved in Ebony. Reading these stories will encourage your faith, inspire your courage, and remind you of God's extraordinary work in the midst of the everyday faithfulness of his people."

Melissa Kruger, author and director of women's initiatives for The Gospel Coalition

"Carved in Ebony, like its author, is courageous, compassionate, and clear. In considering the lives and faith of the women profiled here, we can learn how we as Christians can serve Christ and love the world for which he died and lives again."

Russell Moore, public theologian at Christianity Today and director of Christianity Today's Public Theology Project

"Jasmine Holmes dusts off the lives of ten Black women in history, placing their contributions to the world and the Church squarely in our current climate and circumstances. I was convicted, comforted, and challenged by Jasmine's strong, wise, and informed voice. Carved in Ebony is a treasure that belongs on every shelf of American history."

Lore Ferguson Wilbert, author of Handle with Care: How Jesus Redeems the Power of Touch in Life and Ministry

"Jasmine Holmes has uncovered a wealth of buried treasures in the lives of these remarkable, inspiring, and ordinary women. They have so much to teach us today, and we have so much to learn. Get ready to be humbled and awed by these powerful Black women."

Karen Swallow Prior, research professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books

"I can recommend Carved in Ebony for so many reasons: its serious historical research, its vivid writing, its unflagging commitment to the Gospel, its challenge to lasting racial prejudice. But let me say it most plainly. The stories of these ten Black women inspire faithfulness and courage. They offer a glimpse of what God can do when we surrender ourselves to him."

Jen Pollock Michel, author of A Habit Called Faith and Surprised by Paradox

"Carved in Ebony introduces the stories of Black women that for too long have been untold. With unapologetic conviction and vulnerable eloquence, Jasmine shows how their faith and steadfast purposefulness indelibly shaped our nation and world. You will be both inspired and challenged to continue the legacy these women began."

Elizabeth Woodson, institute classes and curriculum director, The Village Church

"What a gift this book you hold in your hands will be to you! Jasmine has a way of teaching you a history lesson you never knew you needed, while also pointing you to a God who deeply cares for his children. I love God more now that I know these ladies in this book, and I suspect you will as well!"

Jamie Ivey, bestselling author and host of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey podcast

"Books are meant to shape us. While reading Carved in Ebony, I imagined that I was joining Jasmine Holmes on a journey looking at old truths with fresh eyes. After I was done, I realized that Jasmine wasn't just using her pen to tell a story. She was using it as a chisel. My faith and confidence in the goodness of God has been refined and polished as a result of seeing God's faithfulness in the lives of these women. I can't wait to witness the other statues she sculpts when other people get their hands on this book."

John Onwuchekwa, pastor of Cornerstone Church and cofounder of Portrait Coffee

"In this inspiring and heart-searching book, Jasmine Holmes expertly unearths the stories of ten Black Christian women whose faith and fruitfulness has been all but forgotten. I highly recommend you grab this book and learn more from these sisters in Christ, who overcame slavery, poverty, segregation, and sickness to leave their imprint on his world."

Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin, author of Confronting Christianity, 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity, and The Secular Creed

The Author

  1. Jasmine L. Holmes
    Midstory Photography, Mary Boyett Rooks

    Jasmine L. Holmes

    Jasmine L. Holmes is a passionate writer and educator who celebrates Black stories through her books, including Carved in Ebony, Mother to Son, and Crowned with Glory. As a historian and teacher, Jasmine shares her expertise with lifelong...

    Continue reading about Jasmine L. Holmes

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