Diary of Agony and Hope

The purpose of this book, Diary of Agony and Hope, explores the ethical themes of justice and hope through the lens of folk sayings, case studies, and real-life experiences on the part of the writer as a resident of St. Louis County for over thirty years. The writer believes that the tears for the fruits of justice in the Michael Brown, Jr. case are tears that will be further reckoned with in light of their implications for reform--especially in the use of deadly force--among police departments throughout the community of Ferguson and our troubled land. Here every American must work together for a better society! The writer believes that the daunting task of working together will build bridges of trust, understanding, and hope between police officers and the communities in which they serve: particularly communities of color. Research for this volume was largely taken from the writer's diary. Insightful and engaging, this book is a ""must read"" for morally concerned Americans who want to know more about the story of the Ferguson Movement. In the movement itself for justice on the part of peace protestors, we see the force of love among ordinary people of goodwill. ""Dr. Enoch Oglesby's book is thought-provoking and encourages the reader, of any ethnicity, race, or culture, to self-reflect and become in touch with his or her personal experience or belief about racism. In this exploration, he gives us hope in addressing it in a healthy and collective manner."" --La Faune Gordon, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Executive Director, Children and Families, Inc. ""Diary of Agony and Hope is an excellent read for those who take seriously the struggle for justice in a broken and fragile world. Dr. Oglesby's important contribution to the growing voices within the Ferguson Movement assists the reader in understanding how difficult it is to navigate the paradigms of what it means to be recognized as a beloved creature of God while struggling to understand the historical hardships of black-versus-white and good-versus-evil."" --Kevin D. Anthony, Founder and President of Eden Black Alumni Association ""In this diary, Dr. Oglesby not only agonizes over personal experiences of racism, but also over the prevalence of racial estrangement and injustice in society. With a focus on the racial crises of Ferguson, Missouri, he provides local narratives, questions, and case studies as resources for readers, wherever they live, to create a more hopeful future."" --Luther E. Smith, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Church and Community, Emory University ""Diary of Agony and Hope is a thought-provoking, action-inspiring journal of an amazing journey. Dr. Oglesby has invited the public into the private spaces of his heart and mind in expectation that we will be more than hearers of the word, but doers as well. After absorbing the words penned with passion, you are certain to be transformed."" --Renita Marie Lamkin, Pastor, St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church E. Hammond Oglesby, Faculty Emeritus, is United Church Professor of Theology and History at Eden Theological Seminary at St. Louis, MO. He is the author of eleven previous books including, Pressing Toward the Mark (2007).