So amazing to have so many RRBC members spotlighting me this month. Thank you Pat.
Good Morning Everyone,
Don’t ever say that History cannot be corrected. Where there is a will, there is a way. The second edition of Our Lady Of Victory by Author Shirley Harris Slaughter has been released. It has many new updates on this historic church that will interest many.
Blurb:
This is a second edition with updates on the state of this historic church. In the original publication files were lost then resurfaced with content altered along with missing photos during transition from one publisher to another. Such is the fate of an Independent Author.
This book evolved out of years of frustration at the total disregard and lack of respect for the contributions of Black Catholics in the city of Detroit. The author says, “We are not mentioned in the pages of history along with the other Catholic churches that sprung up during the World War II era, and…
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Shirley Harris-Slaughter 
Happy birthday, Shirley! (Mine was last Friday…) On this week of Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for having “met” you through RRBC. I so identified with (the first version) of Our Lady of Victory because it was so similar to the story of St. John the Baptist Church in downtown Schenectady, New York. As the Albany Diocese needed to downsize churches due to the shortage of priests, we, the members of St. John the Baptist, the oldest Catholic church in Schenectady, started to realize we were a marked parish. We were an ethnically and racially diverse group, and we served the downtown population, many of whom were extremely poor and/or homeless. We collected coats and other warm wear every year. We welcomed them into our services, no matter what condition they were in. Every year, we held a “sale” of items they could have as Christmas gifts. If someone came in and admired something with a pricetag on it, but said they couldn’t afford it, we gave it to them. We made sure kids had Christmas gifts.
The Diocese, though, saw us as just a building. Our building was in great shape; the acoustics inside were amazing. I was part of the folk group for two decades. Some of the homeless people came to hear the folk group because they said the music made them comfortable. The Diocese began sending a group of what I refer to as “cranky” priests who made the poor and homeless feel less welcome. Little by little, we lost parishioners. Then they sold the church to a theatre group. Those of us who had performed those works of mercy in downtown were summarily dismissed. Didn’t matter that we were racially and ethnically diverse.
There is another church in downtown Schenectady, but they don’t do any work like we did. They inside of the church smells like mold and I cannot go in there. The city moved the homeless shelter away from downtown. Can’t have “those people” in the revitalized downtown area, can we?
In your first version, I read so much between the lines. I am so happy that you had the courage to write this book. I will get the new version soon. I am thankful.
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Wanda, what a story! And it happens all the time no matter where in the country you are living. The Church did not operate according to the 10 commandments of God. They were never going to be the moral authority on race relations because they were part of the problem. There were so many missed opportunities to work with the Black Catholic leaders in our community to build on and the Church was clueless. It goes for other denominations as well. And what a shame.
Thank you so much for your support and understanding of what I’m doing. You are very much appreciated.
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I am so looking forward to reading version #2! Happy Thanksgiving to you and, please pass my greetings on to your sisters.
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Enjoy your month and Happy Birthday!
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Thank you D.L. Finn.
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Congrats, Shirley, on the second edition! I remember reading your book years ago and thinking how unique a story it was.
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Hi Cynthia. Please refresh my memory of you. This book has been around for some time now and I’ve been to several parishes doing book events as well as doing a speaking engagement for the Detroit Historical Society at the Detroit Public Library. I may not know you personally but would still like to know how you got your copy.
Thank you so much for being here.
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RRBC brought the book to my attention back when I was a new member – 2014, I think. I remember writing a lengthy and positive comment about it in response to a blog post but can’t recall where now. I live in Canada, Shirley.
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You deserve every moment under the spotlight. Congratulations! 🙂
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Hi Shirley, I am so proud of you! I need 2 copies of your first and second editions Please let me know how I can obtain copies, costs (with your signature).😊
I am recovering from cancer and radiation and feel great! The Blessed Mother and her Son blessed me with grace, which carried me through major surgery and six weeks of radiation. I know that my FAITH, HOPE and LOVE were of my GOD and SAVIOR, which started at Our Lady of Victory! I am who I am today because of the seeds that were planted in my heart as a child. I still have fond memories of my life as a child attending Our Lady of Victory.
I ask the Blessed Mother and her Son to continue to BLESS YOU!
In Unity and Charity,
Ona (Carter) Wilson
Sent from my iPhone
>
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OMG! Ona, its so good to hear from you. I’m so thankful that you got through the radiation treatments, Lets not claim that scourge called cancer.
It’s strange, but you were on my mind and I think about you often. How is your husband Leonard (another OLV Alumni)? I still have you both in my old phone book. Is your number the same? I will call you.
Yes, I will send you the newest copy. It will replace my first launch (a move from original publisher to Amazon) which turned out to be a disaster; and I have no more originals on hand. The original interior file has been corrupted so I will no longer be selling anymore. I can send 2 copies of the Second Edition.
Thank you for being a part of this celebration. This virtual book club is keeping the memories alive and I am so thankful to be a part of it.
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Jan it was one of the best days I have had in a long time. Really lifted my spirits. I thank you for your part in this.
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Dear Shirley, I hope you have enjoyed your day! It is well-deserved!
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