//MAPPING THE SPIRIT

May (1961) 

From the Wiki ” Marcelino Manuel da Graça (January 25, 1881 or 1884 - January 12, 1960), better known as Charles Manuel “Sweet Daddy” Grace, or Daddy Grace, was the founder and first bishop of the predominantly African-American denomination the United House of Prayer For All People.[1] He was a contemporary of other religious leaders such as Father Divine, Noble Drew Ali and Ernest Holmes. Daddy Grace, an innovative Christian evangelist, faith healer, pastor and bishop, used his unique worship style to birth a distinctive religious institution on the American scene. Many of his followers claimed miraculous acts of faith healing while attending services and others saw his ministry as a sign from God of the immanent return of Jesus Christ.”

I first encountered Daddy Grace in a Van Der Zee book. It’s a remarkable portrait- look at that man, he demands attention! When I learned that he was a fellow Cape Verdean, I was delighted, isn’t it nice to see people like you in printed world, a part of the culture, a figure in cultural history and Harlem- less.