Who Said Religion and Politics Don’t Mix?

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 03, 2007 – Atlanta, GA – After generating a buzz on the streets and capturing the attention of prison inmates with the novel “SnitchCraft”, author Edrea Davis is sure to cause a stir in the ‘urban lit’ scene with the upcoming release of “Who Said Religion and Politics Don’t Mix? A guide to the spiritual and political imagery in the urban novel SnitchCraft.” Davis enlisted the expertise of Dr. Zeddie Scott, Felicia M. Davis, and Rev. E Randel T. Osburn, for a detailed discussion of the spiritual and political messages in “SnitchCraft.”

On the surface SnitchCraft is a fictional story about a nightclub owner set-up by a dishonest snitch; beneath it exists an inspiring story of faith, prayer, and family values. The guide discusses the underlying symbols, messages, and scripture skillfully weaved throughout the story. It examines the spiritual transformation of the main character John “JC” Powell who, after struggling to build a thriving nightclub in a gang-infested California neighborhood, is incarcerated based on the word of a snitch. During the fight to clear his name, JC gets a first-hand look at the corruption within the criminal justice system and realizes he isn’t in control of his own destiny.

“The Bible teaches us that ‘the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord’ (Psalms 37:23),” says Dr. Scott, who holds a PhD in theology. “JC Powell fell short, like we all do, but he  tried to live by the word. JC’s plight demonstrates that God works out all things for the good for  those who love Him,” adds the former pastor and author of the upcoming book, “The Program for Healing Our Community.”

In addition to shedding light on issues like mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines and the unreliable informant system, SnitchCraft features a unique “After the Book” section with discussion questions, alarming prison statistics, suggestions on how to become politically active, and a list of organizations focused on criminal justice issues.

Felicia Davis, executive director of the Ben E. Mays Political Education Center comments, “We are loosing a generation of youth to drugs, violence and prison.” Davis, also the co-founder of DogonVillage.com adds, “It is important to send positive messages and offer viable solutions to young people. To reach today’s youth, we must step outside the box.”

“Religion, politics and art have always gone hand-in-hand,” says Rev. Osburn, who is the first cousin of the late Coretta Scott King and served as assistant to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement. “The faith community clearly defined America’s political agenda during the sixties. Artists like Harry Belafonte, Sonia Sanchez, Dick Gregory, and James Brown, helped to bring international attention to the fight for civil and human rights,” adds the former executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

“I hope the book and guide demonstrate that inspirational messages can, and must, be incorporated into novels about the realities of street life. If not, urban fiction will go the way of hip-hop music,” says Edrea Davis, who was recently selected “Most Likely to Succeed” by C&B book distributors in New York, and nominated for an Author of the Year Award by the Georgia Writers Association.

Due out on Dogon Village Books late June, “Who Said Religion and Politics Don’t Mix?” (ISBN 978697421) can be pre-ordered from www.snitchcraft.com . “SnitchCraft” is currently available at book retailers nationwide.

Edrea Davis is a communications consultant and the author of "SnitchCraft." Read more at http://www.dogonvillage.com or http://www.snitchcraft.com