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Spiritual Shackles
by Okeyo A. Jumal
Griot

Spiritual Shackles is a historical novel webbed in changing political, religious and cultural realities while intertwined with a suspenseful love affair with deep African roots.  This multi-layered, cross generation epic is primarily set against the backdrop of social upheaval raging in the Colored, Negro, Black, Afro to eventually the African American  community. From acquiesce in the passive mentalities of the early 1950’s, Shackles moves through the militant explosions of the 1960’s, ‘70’s and beyond as it examines new attitudes as they burst on the scene and struggle for acceptance.

The story is told through the eyes and energy of an extraordinary extended family residing in Pasadena, California.  The plot moves through the lives of the children as they grow to adults, children who by coincidence or destiny, are initially brought together in a foster home residence of a reclusive, beautifully mysterious woman that also happens to cherish African spiritual beliefs.  With these beliefs imparted to her “children”, they move on to become avant-garde players in an atmosphere of turbulent times, challenging the established attitudes and questioning anything and everything—including religion.

Exploding out of dramatic images of unexplained church fires, Shackles is etched deep in the faces of it’s players; from maids, chauffeurs and preachers, to Panthers, Muslims and Nationalist.  The story moves through events as diverse as Juneteenth and Black pride rallies to city riots and spiritual conversions.  Shackles stalks churches, beauty shops, barbershops and nightclubs; yet can abruptly disappear into the rugged nature of mountains, canyons and tropical rain forests while continuously blending music, dance and foods with suspenseful storytelling.

Yet, it’s the simmering love affair that weaves this Shackles together as it hop-scotches generations and unfolds in a tragic destiny.  This epic story, Spiritual Shackles, bears naked the soul of a people like never before.

     EXCERPT FROM SPIRITUAL SHACKLES  
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Author Profile

Okeyo Ajamu Jumal is a griot historian and educator who makes his home in Southern California. As an educator, he has coordinated and taught in the Headstart program; taught in elementary, middle and high school classrooms, instructed courses at Cal State Colleges and as served as a middle and high school administrator.

Mr. Jumal attended University of California at Berkeley, Cal State Los Angeles, Cal State San Bernardino, and Pasadena City College. He received his Bachelors Degree in History and his Masters Degree in Education Administration.
 
Along with writing, Mr. Jumal enjoys jazz, track and field, chess, storytelling, and travel—which includes extensive stays in Europe, East and West Africa, and continuing visits to Mexico, Brazil, Belize and the Caribbean Islands.