Park Church Reads

In recent years Rev. Erica has challenged herself every February to get out of her personal comfort zone and read something that brings a new perspective and/or maybe makes her uncomfortable. She has sought to expand her own education about black history, recognizing that many voices and sources were left out of her education growing up. She believes this kind of work is best done in community.

This year she invited us to read Newport Gardner’s Anthem: A Story of Slavery, Struggle, and Survival in Early America by Edward E Andrews, 2025 Cornell University Press. 

The author relies heavily on the newly digitized historical collections available through the Congregational Library and Archives in Boston – so it offers insight into our congregational tradition and history as well.

You can hear an interview with the author here: 

Revolution 250 Podcast - Newport Gardner's Anthem

You can learn more about the book and Amanda Tyler's work by watching the following YouTube video: Amanda Tyler

In honor of Black History Month, Pastor Erica invited members and friends of the congregation to join her in reading The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee (2022).

You can watch a short video interview with the author here: Heather McGhee - "The Sum of Us" | The Daily Show

Heather McGhee has produced a podcast discussing the issues in the book. You can listen to it free on Spotify: Heather McGhee