Black History is full of family stories, and the family of Forrest M. Stith has many. In the forgotten gem “Sunrises and Sunsets for Freedom,” author Stith recounts how his grandfather escaped from slavery in the United States to Canada via the Underground Railroad, and tells of the building of the first Black homestead settlement in Nebraska. He also shares his own experiences as an Army chaplain during World War II in the South Pacific, facing racism while ministering to soldiers.
Bringing these stories to life is his son Forrest C. Stith, retired bishop in residence at Asbury United Methodist Church, who adds his reflections in an afterword to the book.
Bishop Stith will share fascinating highlights of his family history in a book talk at Asbury on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Signed copies of the book documenting this journey will be available for purchase. Proceeds go to Descendants of DeWitty, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the history of the settlement."
Free parking is available in the garage next door on 11th Street.