A Non Fiction Novel on Racial Reconciliation and Racial Tensions
Ismael Hernandez, Author of the bestselling novel Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America is shedding light and a new perspective on racial reconciliation and racial tensions in America. It has been listed as the number five best book in 2016 by The Gospel Coalition.
As reviewer Kevin DeYoung states “This book—written by a Black, Puerto Rican, Catholic conservative—presents a vision for renewal that is opposed to the prescriptions found in much of the “racialist” literature (his term). The gist: ‘The fact is that one can stand side by side with another person in the binding principle that racism is evil and, at the same time, be far apart in one’s analysis of specific policy and social issues’ (p 147).
Ismael Hernandez is also the founder and president of the Freedom & Virtue Institute. The goal of the Freedom & Virtue Institute is to develop and execute programs that focus on self-reliance and empowerment for young people, churches, civic organizations, and businesses.
About The Freedom and Virtue Institute
The Freedom & Virtue Institute believes in fostering attitudes and leading initiatives that build off the principle of creating self-reliance among underprivileged children and individuals enduring hardship that wish to better their situations and live a dignified, self-sustainable life. Presently, the Freedom & Virtue Institute conducts three unique causes: The Self-Reliance Clubs, Dignity of Work Initiative and the Effective Compassion Training programs. In pursuing our goals, the institute does not support/endorse any specific political party or candidates, but instead looks at the “big picture” and the role of government in our society. We believe human freedom and private initiative in local communities are the best instruments to create lasting positive change in our society
The Self-Reliance Clubs exist to educate the next generation to understand that they are the champions of their own lives. Through their own initiative, ingenuity, and hard work, they will realize that they have the power to determine the direction of their future.
Self-Reliance Clubs are set up in schools to provide under-privileged students with the opportunity to work in various entrepreneurship initiatives, learn economics, earn money, and gain self-esteem and a sense of individual freedom. The ‘money’ earned can then be used to purchase school supplies, equipment, and clothing.
The Dignity of Work Initiative of the Freedom & Virtue Institute is a church-based initiative that involves volunteers and employers in assisting people in getting meaningful employment. We utilize the Jobs for Life (JfL) curriculum. Jobs for Life is a global nonprofit organization that engages and equips the local Church to address the impact of joblessness through the dignity of work. By mobilizing a worldwide network of volunteers committed to applying biblically-based training and mentoring relationships, Jobs for Life helps those in need find dignity and purpose through meaningful work.
The Freedom & Virtue Institute’s Effective Compassion Training program is designed to offer a detailed exploration of the realities of poverty and to equip participants with practical and meaningful tools to address these struggles.
At the Freedom & Virtue Institute, individuals and organizations are shown the impact of their actions on their local communities, with the ultimate goal of bringing change in the internal culture of organizations participating in poverty-alleviation work. For more information on how you can help, visit www.fvinstitute.org or call (239) 240-9393.
