Crossing the line : a memoir of race, religion, and change / by Richard Abercrombie with JoAnn Borovicka.

Includes bibliographical references.

At 14, Richard (Ricky) Abercrombie was besieged by prejudice because of his multi-racial background and angered by unsatisfactory answers to his heartfelt questions about religious truth. The time was 1960, and the place was Greenville, South Carolina. Ricky began carrying a gun, skipping school, and numbing his painful emotions with alcohol. His parents were worried and his future looked bleak. What happened next – an invitation to a birthday party at the home of a Bahá’í family – changed his life forever. Ricky became intrigued by Bahá’í teachings on racial equality, peaceful strategies for social justice, and the fundamental unity of religion. As he investigated these teachings, Ricky experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led him to give up the gun, stop drinking, and engage in life with hope and joy. His friends and family initially opposed his dangerous new association with racially integrated groups, but Ricky’s steadfastness drew them into investigating his new beliefs themselves. This true story of how a rebellious teenager transformed his own character and affected the lives of dozens of friends and family members is a cover-to-cover delight.

"Growing up as an African American child in the 1960s in Greenville, South Carolina, Rick Abercrombie has seen it all. He has experienced racial prejudice all his life. He goes through the motions of attending school, but his heart isn't in it. He carries a gun for protection, and he is not afraid to use it. Then he is invited to a Bahá'í fireside, and his life changes. After hearing the message of Bahá'u'lláh and the Bahá'í teachings on racial equality, social justice, and progressive Revelation, Rick experiences a spiritual awakening and resolves to turn his life around. The path is not easy. His friends and family initially question his newfound faith and even his sanity. But Rick perseveres, and his parents and family gradually warm to the new religion and investigate the Bahá'í Faith for themselves. This is a true story of the steadfastness of one young man transformed his life, as well as the lives of his family, friends, and community"-- Provided by publisher.

Ages 12-15 Bellwood Press

Grades 7-9 Bellwood Press