Will ColemanHomeThe absence and the presence of God in African American culture – David Emmanuel Goatley’s book ‘Were You There? Godforsakenness in Slave ReligioThe words of this familiar African American spiritual is a source of inspiration for Dr. David Emmanuel book, Were You There? Godforsakenness in Slave Religion. Both the spiritual and the title of the book raise important questions about God and humanity — especially African American humanity. They refer to critical issues such as commitment and abandonment between God and humanity and within interpersonal relationships.July 4, 2007Page 1 of 1