Reading Dr. Shelley McIntosh’s thoughtful, well-written memoir about her experience as a Black Christian Nationalist (BCN) was very intriguing, heartfelt and illuminating.  I learned a lot. I appreciated her personal take on the organization, and I also liked the Appendixes where she let her readers know many more facts about the Black Christian Nationalist movement. The charts were eye-opening, for instance, where she shows the differences between Slave Culture Mentality and the BCN Counterculture stances. This was very good reading for a white woman like myself, quite educational.

Congratulations to Dr. McIntosh on the writing of ‘Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist.”  It is both inspiring and informative.  It was an awakening for me.  Being raised as a Methodist Christian, the history of Africans or Blacks did not go beyond Slavery in America and that was not even a thorough accounting.  Your Memoirs filled a hole in who I am, bringing meaning and purpose to my life.  I thank you for sharing your journey.  What a blessing that your life journey crossed with someone like Rev.  Albert Cleage, changing your beliefs and experiences forever. Thanks!

In this book, Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist-Seeds of Liberation, Shelley McIntosh tells the incredible story of her life and provides rich details about the little-known Shrines of the Black Madonna. She reveals the narrative honestly, with passion and integrity. The author provides a positive and uplifting message about the people and events that happened in her life. 

I’m encouraged and amazed how much Black Christian Nationalists made an enormous difference in the lives of the people they reached. This story reveals how the tangible practices of providing basic necessities for those who needed them provided a foundation for growth and leadership to help create a more humane world. 

With so much social unrest currently surrounding us, this book looks at an important part of US history, including an incredible outline to help mend racism, injustice, and poverty. I recommend this book to readers of all races and religions so we can better understand one another and build a better world. 

Informative, insightful, funny and honest words that will lead the reader towards a Black Christian Nationalist (BCN) experience from the pages of her memoir. It is a great read – 5 Stars.

Dr. Shelley McIntosh pulls no punches with her new book Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist: Seeds of Liberation.  A must read, especially for those looking for the true essence of Christianity from its African roots. She connects the historical proof that the Jews [Hebrews] were Black through the process of DNA. “DNA results indicate that the Jews [Hebrews] have a common genetic makeup, specifically a Y-chromosome haplotype that is passed down through the mother,” she quotes. She further shows the genealogy of Jesus the Black Messiah found in Matthew 1:1—17 (NIV).

She encapsulates her experience(s) working closely with Reverend Albert B. Cleage jr. (The founder of Black Christian Nationalism) and speaks on her experience and huge influence Albert B. Cleage left with her.

 She explains the BCN program he created and applied working with many young people. She, in fact, was in the midst of it all. She also talks about her BCN training and what the Black Christian Nationalist Creed was, what the nation believed and its system, coupled with the The Prayer of the Black Messiah. Both of which she had to commit to memory. 

Dr. Shelley (Monifa) McIntosh (former Cardinal) is a true BCN living legend and her book Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist: Seeds of Liberation makes it even more so.

Dr. Shelley McIntosh’s compassion and love for her race shines through as much now as it did some 40 plus years ago. In a down to earth easily readable style, she makes you feel as if you are sitting with her in her living room. The historical and scientific arguments raised by her regarding the Africanist of Jesus would make one wonder why I am just now being challenged to understand this reality. 

The personal accounts and discussions with Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman (Rev. Albert Cleage Jr.) give insight to the importance that religion especially Christianity serves in Black peoples struggle for power. Anyone calling themselves an activist for the Black community, this book is a must read. Thank you, my sister, in the struggle for continuing to fan the flame of Black Christian Nationalism.  

Dr. McIntosh’s offering Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist is a long overdue expose of the Black Christian Nationalist faith of the Shrine of the Black Madonna. Black Christian Nationalism emerged during the Black Power Era as one of the most progressive theological (religious) responses to the oppression of people of African descent. Mcintosh provides the reader an insider’s perspective which introduces us to Rev. Albert B. Cleage, Jr. (Jaramogi Abebe Agyeman) the architect of Black Liberation Theology (Black Christian Nationalism), the core tenants of the faith, and the role and impact of the faith on the Black Power Movement and its numerous participants. She provides primary source information via documents and a personal narrative which offers a unique and authentic exposition.  Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist is a must read for the layperson and the academic and all other that are interested in the sacred and secular as they pertain to the lives and experiences of African American people. 

“Powerful, beautifully written, and extremely relevant right now! The fusion of community unity and spirituality creates an intersection where people are uplifted, healed, and transformed. 

The disturbing first sentence in the Preface illuminates the need for the Black Christian Nationalist Movement today. 

Then, as Dr. Shelley McIntosh courageously shares her true life story and evolution as a Black Christian Nationalist, she uses her experiences as a teaching tool for readers to look back and learn, then look forward—armed with her insights and philosophies that apply with profound similarities today.

Sadly, the motivations then remain eerily similar to the calls for social justice now. That’s why this delightful book should be required reading for anyone seeking solutions to ensure equality and justice for all, today and forever.”

Historical and personal. Insightful and Captivating! The personal stories immersed with the rich history of one of Detroit's greatest black institutions demonstrates the soul of Black Detroiters Revolutionary spirit! This book left me excited for more!! POWERFUL!

Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist: Seeds of Liberation unveiled a well written informational, insightful depiction, birthing the Shrine of the Black Madonna and presented a riveting account of the legendary Black Christian Nationalist. The relatedness of the information presented, further influenced the ideology (my belief), that Jesus was black. It also enhanced my truths about the connectedness of Black People to the Black Messiah, Jesus. The read left me anxious for more...

Dr. Shelley McIntosh takes the reader into the history and theology of Nation building.  The story is intriguing and compelling and gives you a sense of the power of the oppressed who decide to fight.  They did not get into a violent altercation, but attempted to build a counter culture in which Black people could flourish.  The book not only gives you a history lesson on the Shrines of the Black Madonna, but it teaches about spirituality, black history, and the black church.  I am proud of this work my mother has put together and await the release date for the book.  Let The Black Nation Rise!

I just finished reading your book, Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist. I enjoyed it. It stirred so many emotions in me. Thank you for reminding me why I sacrificed so much.

Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist: Seeds of Liberation by

Shelley McIntosh encourages growth and acceptance. Times are

changing, and intolerance is at its peak. Author Shelley McIntosh

retells the tale of her life, how faith was an integral part of her life,

and how one man changed their view altogether. More importantly,

she talks about the Shrines of the Black Madonna, and the fact that

I knew nothing about these shrines says a lot about how little we

know in this world. She talks about the revolutionary Rev. Albert B.

Cleage Jr.; how the slave church was holding back black people, and

how the community can and does benefit from the Shrines of the

Black Madonna; from tracing the lineage of Jesus to talking about

how we can change and soothe the current tension in the country.

I love how the author shared her personal story. This touch of

individualism always works like a charm for me to connect with the

author/characters. Memoir of a Black Christian Nationalist is honest

and filled with an authenticity that can be felt and a thirst to find

equality. I was surprised by how hopeful and uplifting the narrative

was. I thought it would be bleak and a little sad, but the author was

quick to point out the silver lining and make sure the reader always

knew there was hope in every situation. I was most interested in

the history of the Shrine of the Black Madonna and Rev. Albert B.

Cleage Jr. More than anything, Shelley McIntosh stressed the

importance of guidance and faith, especially when things aren’t

going so well for any particular group of people. I can understand

how the Black Christian Nationalistic approach is almost a

movement. I am sure many people will be enlightened and

educated after reading this book.

Great book…stirred a lot of emotions, good and bad. And thanks for putting this together. Amen and Ase. Your book is awesome…renewed my Spirit and Strength.

Bravo Sister. Received your new book as a gift. Loving the invaluable information that you shared and reminded us of our struggle as a people. The struggle continues. We still need to keep planting seeds of liberation.

Excellent powerful book, my sister. Tasteful and gives great insight of how the nation was put together and why. Just got it to other members that ordered it today. Told them that they would feel proud and warm inside. They would tear up and want to tear up. The way you described your journey forces one to reflect on theirs as you describe what we all went through. Example: When you mentioned being told at the Dr. office tell my brother to stop working yall so hard. I recalled how coming back from reaching with some of my team (I was MOR chair for Mw. Sadikifu), we entered my then girlfriend’s Abaynesta apartment holding up cans all excited about the money we made. I passed out while holding a can up. When I came to and was taken to Doc., he said the same thing to me, tell my brother to stop working yall so hard.

Love your meticulous explanations and especially loved your ending at the last 5 to 6 pages.

I read your book flying to and from Utah this weekend. I thought it was a good read, chronology and documentation of PAOCC history. Thank you for sharing that part of your story and Jaramogi Abebe’s documents and poems. Love and appreciate you always. Your work and sacrifice in the PAOCC helped make a way for me. Thank you!