"In this comprehensive biography of William Sheppard, William Phipps chronicles Sheppard's childhood and his incredible journey to the Congo. Phipps details Sheppard's efforts to challenge human rights violations, presents accounts of Sheppard's life after he left Africa, and explores some of the reasons behind his departure. In addition, the book describes the African American missionary's indelible impact on the areas of religion, human rights, education, and art. This important work tells the remarkable story of how an African American born in the South during the era of slavery emerged as one of the most distinguished Presbyterian leaders in American history. "--BOOK JACKET.