Books

Prayers That Make Men Better

As Father’s Day is upon us, three Black clergymen have published a book of prayers that have worked for them as they navigated the many challenges of this thing we call LIFE. In their book “Prayers That Make Men Better,” Rev. Johnnie Clark, Sr., affectionately known as Papa Clark, shares prayers that helped him overcome a 30-year heroin addiction.

Published

3 years ago

June 21, 2023

Oakland Post

Photo courtesy Y’Anad Burrell.

By Y’Anad Burrell

As Father’s Day is upon us, three Black clergymen have published a book of prayers that have worked for them as they navigated the many challenges of this thing we call LIFE.

In their book “Prayers That Make Men Better,” Rev. Johnnie Clark, Sr., affectionately known as Papa Clark, shares prayers that helped him overcome a 30-year heroin addiction.

His sons Bishop Keith L. Clark, general overseer of WORD A Family of Churches in Oakland, and Bishop Johnnie Clark, Jr., pastor of WORD Tracy Campus, both share prayers in this book that have helped them grow through the myriad of peaks and valleys that come with pastoral leadership, fatherhood and relationships.

Prayer has been a vibrant part of the Clark family heritage. The family has spent many years devoted to cultivating a prayer life that covers the physical, mental and spiritual health. “We’ve only been able to lead our families and communities through death, disappointment, depression and desperation because we have sought after God with our whole hearts, minds, bodies and souls.

“We looked at our combined 11 decades worth of personal and professional experiences in the communities we serve to compile a short list of effective prayers,” said Keith Clark.

In addition to being one of the authors of this book, Keith Clark, had a vision to create a unique space for men to be their authentic selves, where they can have transparent conversations among each other in a judgement-free zone.

With that in mind he designed a special Bible study every Tuesday in Oakland where all men are welcome to come and hang out and hear God’s word presented in a way that is interesting, intriguing and insightful.

At these sessions, men have shared how they have grown in areas that have held them back over the years. Paul Brown, aka PO, who hosts the meetings at 8916 International Blvd., in Apt. C at 7 p.m., understands the importance of creating this space as his life has changed for the better and he wants other men to experience the change they desire for themselves, their families and friends.

Prayers That Make Men Better can be purchased on Amazon or at www.wordafc.org

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Arts and Culture

Book Review: Books on Black History and Black Life for Kids

For the youngest reader, “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons” by Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Magination Press, $18.99) is a book for young Black boys and for their mothers. It’s a hope inside a prayer that the world treats a child gently, and it could make a great baby shower gift.

Published

37 minutes ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo of Black History Month book covers by Terri Schlichenmeyer.

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Authors: Various, Copyright: c. 2025, 2026, Publishers: Various, SRPs: $17.99-$18.99, Page Counts: Various,

Everybody in your family has stories to share.

Your parents have told you some, no doubt. Your grandparents have offered a few, too, and aunties and uncles have spun some good tales. But there’s so much more to know, so grab one of these great books and learn about Black History and Black life.

For the youngest reader, “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons” by Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Magination Press, $18.99) is a book for young Black boys and for their mothers. It’s a hope inside a prayer that the world treats a child gently, and it could make a great baby shower gift.

If someone said you couldn’t do something that you were clearly able to do, would you fight to do it anyhow? In the new book, “Remember Her Name! Debbie Allen’s Rise to Fame” by Tami Charles, illustrated by Meredith Lucius (Charlesbridge, $17.99), a young girl in the Jim Crow South is told that she can’t dance because of the color of her skin.

She didn’t listen, though, and neither did her mother, who took her daughter to Mexico, where the girl soared! This is an inspiration for any 5-to-7-year-old; be sure to check out the back-of-the-book information, if you’re an adult fan.

Do you often hear your elders say things that sound like lessons? They might be, so “Where There is Love: A Story of African Proverbs” by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Leticia Moreno (Penguin Workshop, $18.99) is a book you’ll like. It’s a quick-to-read collection of short proverbs that you can say every day. Kids ages 4-to-6 will easily remember what they find in this book; again, look in the back for more information.

Surely, you love your neighborhood, which is why the tale inside “Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining” by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Penguin Kokila, $18.99) is a book for you.

Olivia’s neighborhood is having a block party, but she’s sad when no one shows up. That’s when she learns that “the government” is discriminating against the people and businesses near where she lives. So, what can she and her neighbors do? The answer might inspire 6-to-8-year-old kids to stand up to wrongs they see, and to help make their neighborhoods stronger and safer.

And finally, if a kid wants a book, where can they go to find it? In “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy” by Mychal Threets, illustrated by Lorraine Nam (Random House, $18.99) is a good introduction to the best of what a library has to offer. The freedom to walk into a library and borrow a book is the theme here, as is the sheer happiness of being welcomed, no matter who you are. This is an easy book for kids as young as two and as old as five to enjoy.

On that note, if you want more, head to that library, or a nearby bookstore. They’ll be glad to see you. They’ve got stories to share.