"Highlighting both the mystical experiences that drew them to these religions and the intense social relationships that grew from their devotion, twelve white Westerners, Asians, and others without immediate ancestral connections to these Black religions tell the story of why they became devotees and how the secret initiation changed their lives. That is, they have modeled their own struggles against social marginalization, trauma, and alienation not on the religions imposed by the oppressors but on the wisdom of the enslaved and the colonized. This volume contributes brilliantly to our understanding of these dynamic sacred traditions."--J. Lorand Matory, author of Black Atlantic Religion: Tradition, Transnationalism, and Matriarchy in the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé "There is a great need for accurate textual information on Afro-diasporic religion to counter erroneous and maligned representations. This book sheds light on the fallacy of these misrepresentations and prejudices. The transatlantic and comparative nature of this collection provides an element of novelty, and the life stories herein are heartfelt and honorable."--Roberto Strongman, author of Queering Black Atlantic Religions: Transcorporeality in Candomblé, Santería, and Vodou "A remarkable collection of diverse voices among practitioners of religions of the African diaspora.
Each tells a story of a respectful crossing of cultural borders to find a place of belonging and fulfilment. As inspiring as they are informative, each is an eloquent testimony to the healing that these misunderstood traditions provide. An important and invaluable contribution to the appreciation of African-inspired religions and the literature of spiritual quest."--Joseph M. Murphy, author of Botánicas: Sacred Spaces of Healing and Devotion in Urban America.