According to the bellereport.com
Reverend Clay Evans Biography
The Last Blues Preacher
Wins 2019 International Book Award
(Chicago, IL) As friends, family and well-wishers from across the globe sent birthday greetings via social media to the iconic pastor, revered preacher, noted Stellar Award-winning Gospel singer and recording artist, civil rights leader and humanitarian Reverend Clay Evans on his 94th birthday this past weekend, Dr. Zach Mills shared in the joy of celebration as his book, The Last Blues Preacher took top honors in the Biography category at this year’s International Book Awards.
The Last Blues Preacher: Rev. Clay Evans, Black Lives, and the Faith that Woke the Nation details Reverend Evans’ early days growing up in the south and experiencing racism first hand, his family’s migration to Chicago and his early days in ministry. The book pulls on candid and sentimental interviews from many of Reverend Evans siblings and close associates including historical figures like Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, Fr. Michael Pfleger, former presidential candidate, founder and president of the Rainbow Push Coalition Rev. Jesse Jackson, former Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley, Congressman Bobby Rush, and former Illinois governor Pat Quinn.
Though Evans retired from pastoral ministry in 2000 scholars emphasize the relevance of his ministry today. “This book not only offers readers a deeper description of the life of a son of the black church but also encourages leaders who desire to transform their communities and broader world,” said Keri Day, Associate Professor at Princeton Theological Seminary.
