Black History Hero - Meet William Sheppard in Among Kings

Description

Meet William Sheppard, the African American Livingstone. William Sheppard and his white missionary partner, Samuel Lapsley, are the heroes of Among Kings. Read Among Kings: The Amazing Adventures of the Congo's African American Livingstone and the Courageous People who Toppled King Leopold II. (Inspired by True Events) Available now on Amazon https://amzn.to/2Ca9mX8 To learn more, visit the Congo Reform Association: https://www.congoreformassociation.org To learn more about author Joey O'Connor, visit: https://www.joeyoconnor.org In Among Kings, you will discover William Sheppard, the forgotten African American human rights hero who took on King Leopold II of Belgium. The despotic Leopold was responsible for the world's 4th. largest genocide after enslaving the Congolese people. As a young boy growing up in post-Civil War Virginia, William Sheppard knew he wanted to explore the world. What he never expected was becoming a human rights hero who would change the world forever. "I didn't call Africa. Africa called me." But as a black American missionary, he faced heartbreaking prejudice in pursuing his passion to explore and to serve. When he finally arrives in the Congo with his unlikely white missionary colleague — Samuel Lapsley — a deep interracial friendship emerges as they face hardships establishing their mission. The two venture deep into the dangerous, Belgian-controlled Congo ruled by the evil King Leopold II. Traveling by steamship 1,000 miles up the Congo River, these two novice missionaries battle lurking pythons, rampant disease, and cannibal tribes. When tragedy strikes the mission, Sheppard’s sadness drives him in search of adventure to overcome his grief, discover new kingdoms and ultimately, his true self. Against all odds, his discoveries bring him global fame where he is celebrated among kings, queens, and presidents. Despite his accomplishments, Sheppard longs to return to America to marry his fiancée — Lucy Gantt — a talented musician and teacher. Letters keep their love alive, but S