"Although race has been a focus of public conversation in the U.S., not many people are talking about the way geography has fueled the racial divide and continues to fragment us. David Leong introduces us to the tangled history of race and geography with a keenly theological mind that imagines reconciliation for God's people."
"Race is neither a white/black issue nor is it merely one of political correctness. Rather, it's about ghettos, ethnic enclaves, suburbia, and gentrification. David Leong helps us see how racialized our cities have been historically and how we continue to suffer under these decisions from decades ago. But Race and Place also provides us with concrete steps to live out the good news of justice and shalom in our neighborhoods and communities. There is plenty here for theorists to mull over and much for activists to work for as well."
"In drawing connections between race and place, Leong's book is a welcomed addition to the literature surrounding urban ministry and racial reconciliation. Race and Place has the potential to push the conversations surrounding Christian Community Development in fruitful directions. Hopefully, it will encourage readers and practitioners to further explore the theological issues at play in the intersection of race and place."
"Leong brings the overdue conversation of race to the forefront and begs of us to engage, act, and get involved—something much more than what many Christians have been doing for quite some time: nothing. Leong has created a text that is accessible yet offers rigor in the fields of race, religion, and mission. It is time for Christians to take up the mantle of racial awareness and justice."
"Race and Place offers the needed work of cultural and social exegesis and also offers the potential positive power of the Christian imagination. Allow David Leong—a scholar, a pastor, an urbanite, a deeply spiritual and thoughtful follower of Jesus—to guide you through this important theological journey."
"Place matters. Race and Place adds to our understanding about race by showing us that this dialog does not happen in a vacuum but in geographic places and spaces. Jesus came to break down the dividing walls between us. It is in specific locations we work out what it means to walk through those dividing walls."
"Joining God's dream for our neighborhoods compels us to answer the clarion call of racial justice and reconciliation. But for way too long, conversations about race haven't included place, and vice versa. With the insight of a scholar and wisdom that only comes from putting ideas into practice, Dr. Leong offers an invitation to the belonging, solidarity, and hope we so desperately need today. If you believe we need each other, you need this book. If you don't believe we need each other, you need this book. I'm so grateful for this timely contribution."
"Leong's Race and Place is a one of the most graceful and optimistic takes on race in the United States in recent memory."
--Baptist Standard, November 2, 2016
"Place matters. Race and Place adds to our understanding about race by showing us that this dialog does not happen in a vacuum but in geographic places and spaces. Jesus came to break down the dividing walls between us. It is in specific locations we work out what it means to walk through those dividing walls."
--Jude Tiersma Watson, associate professor of urban mission, Fuller Seminary
"Race is neither a white/black issue nor is it merely one of political correctness. Rather, it's about ghettos, ethnic enclaves, suburbia, and gentrification. David Leong helps us see how racialized our cities have been historically and how we continue to suffer under these decisions from decades ago. But Race and Place also provides us with concrete steps to live out the good news of justice and shalom in our neighborhoods and communities. There is plenty here for theorists to mull over and much for activists to work for as well."
--Amos Yong, professor of theology and mission, Fuller Theological Seminary
"Race and Place offers the needed work of cultural and social exegesis and also offers the potential positive power of the Christian imagination. Allow David Leong--a scholar, a pastor, an urbanite, a deeply spiritual and thoughtful follower of Jesus--to guide you through this important theological journey."
--Soong-Chan Rah, from the foreword
"Although race has been a focus of public conversation in the U.S., not many people are talking about the way geography has fueled the racial divide and continues to fragment us. David Leong introduces us to the tangled history of race and geography with a keenly theological mind that imagines reconciliation for God's people."
--Relevant, Jan-Feb 2017
"In drawing connections between race and place, Leong's book is a welcomed addition to the literature surrounding urban ministry and racial reconciliation. Race and Place has the potential to push the conversations surrounding Christian Community Development in fruitful directions. Hopefully, it will encourage readers and practitioners to further explore the theological issues at play in the intersection of race and place."
--Andrew T. Draper, Englewood Review of Books, Lent 2017
"Leong brings the overdue conversation of race to the forefront and begs of us to engage, act, and get involved--something much more than what many Christians have been doing for quite some time: nothing. Leong has created a text that is accessible yet offers rigor in the fields of race, religion, and mission. It is time for Christians to take up the mantle of racial awareness and justice."
--Daniel White Hodge, director of the Center For Youth Ministry Studies, North Park University, author of Hip Hop's Hostile Gospel