WRITTEN BY - MARCIA LANE-MCGEE AND SHANNON WIMP SCHMIDT
PUBLISHED BY - AVE MARIA PRESS
PUBLICATION DATE - 11TH FEBRUARY, 2022
Co-presenters of the podcast “Plaid Skirts and Basic Black” Marcia Lane-McGee and Shannon Wimp Schmidt have written what might appear on the surface to be frivolous book, but which in reality is a remarkably modern and important study of the 21st century Black religious experience, taking in issues of racism, diversity and tolerance, particularly from a female perspective.
Naturally I was attracted to this book by the very quirky title, but I was fully aware that this was a book about religion. Although I am not a religious person, and this kind of book is normally far out of my comfort zone, but Marcia and Shannon are two very articulate ladies making this book a joy to read.
Referring to themselves as Black Catholic, a reference not to their race but to their rich culture, there is a concise section exploring the history and genesis of the term. And, of course, the relative merits of pre- and post-weight gain Luther Vandross are debated and dissected, although this is not a trivial discussion, but rather one that aims to teach us much about remembering the past.
The chapters feature stories from the authors’ lives, and at the end of each one are “reflection questions” relating to the chapter’s content; thought-provoking stuff to generate further discussion. Topics covered include soul-food, Black music, religious holidays such as Christmas and Advent, baptism and more, all discussed in Marcia and Shannon’s friendly and accessible way.
“Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s” is a fun, timely and inspiring triumph, which should give even the staunchest non-believer pause for thought.
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