To Serve the Living

Discover the powerful narrative of African American funeral customs and their profound significance in Suzanne E. Smith's compelling book, To Serve the Living. Published by Harvard University Press in 2010, this 288-page hardback offers an insightful exploration into how funerals emerged from the "hush harbors" of slave quarters, serving not only as rituals for honoring the deceased but also as pivotal moments for affirming freedom and community.

Through the historical lens of funeral rites and ceremonies in the United States, Smith reveals the vital role that funeral directors have played throughout the struggle for racial equality in the 20th century. By intertwining social customs with profound cultural significance, To Serve the Living illuminates the enduring connection between life, death, and the relentless pursuit of dignity and justice in the African American experience. This book is a must-read for those interested in social history and cultural studies.