On Saturday, May 2, 2025, Trinity United Church of Christ – Gary, 1276 W. 20th Avenue, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. John E. Jackson, Senior Pastor, hosted the Black Book Giveaway. It was a powerful community event that placed almost 300 diverse and thought-provoking books into the hands of local residents. Organized by Minister Emmett Karl Mosley, the giveaway was a celebration of literacy, cultural learning, and the power of shared knowledge.
The wide-ranging selection included fiction, nonfiction, leadership, civil rights movement, business, poetry, philosophical and theological topics. The event aimed not only to offer books for personal reading, but to encourage community members to share some of the books they received with others—especially young people—extending the impact of these resources far beyond the event itself.
“This wasn’t just about giving away books—it was about planting seeds of knowledge that can be passed along,” said Minister Mosley. “We’re hopeful that what people took home will spark meaningful conversations and greater awareness.”
More than 100 additional books were distributed the following day, as the event continued into Sunday. Attendees expressed excitement over the diversity of titles and the opportunity to explore new ideas and perspectives.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Pastor Lynda Hewitt of Goshen, Indiana, who originally sent Minister Mosley over 200 books. After receiving them, he realized they had to be shared—hence, the idea of a Black Book Giveaway was birthed. As a student at Indianapolis Theological Seminary, Pastor Hewitt contributed deeply thoughtful titles—including works by Manning Marvel, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Cone—many of whom she had the pleasure of actually working with.
Special appreciation was also given to Lori Johnson Kuykendall, Executive Director of The Gary Literacy Coalition, Inc., who donated books that were a perfect addition for the youth audience; to Sandra Mosley for her leadership with the logistics; and to Rev. Dr. Jackson for his continued support in making Trinity UCC – Gary a hub for education and empowerment.
“We’re grateful to everyone who came out, donated, or simply helped spread the word,” said Minister Mosley. “In a time when there are efforts to silence or erase key parts of our history, it’s vital that we continue to share truth, knowledge, and inspiration with each other.”
Rev. Dr. John E. Jackson, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ-Gary, 1276 W. 20th Ave. in Gary. “We are not just another church but we are a culturally conscious, Christ-centered church, committed to the community; we are unashamedly Black and unapologetically Christian.”
- Rev. John E. Jackson#molongui-disabled-link
- Rev. John E. Jackson#molongui-disabled-link
- Rev. John E. Jackson#molongui-disabled-link
- Rev. John E. Jackson#molongui-disabled-link
