From the Juke to the Church: The Spiritual Journey of a Black-Cherokee Bluesman

Inspired by true stories, the main character, “Roman Wilson” is an Afro-Native American who embarks on a journey to become a promising bluesman in both Mississippi and Tennessee. This story occurs during the 1920s-1950s as we eventually notice Roman's life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ, how his music is then used for ministry with community development rather than raw entertainment, and how the music helps him embrace his dual ethnic identities since he wrestled with the true understanding of his own identity.As a southerner, Roman identified as an American Negro much more so than as a Cherokee because of the segregation laws. As a youngster, he developed a deep interest in Blues music for an outlet. It appealed to him as an art form that reflected his own reality and that of the typical American Negro living in the southern states. However, he would experience both the fun and dangers that came performing Blues music.Throughout this journey, Roman gained a tremendous understanding about being an American Negro, an American Indian, a musician, a survivor of racism, and most importantly, as a “saved” believer and servant of the Lord. Roman’s decision to live a life of service to the Lord would impact the future of America without him even realizing it.Roman’s story, which highlights the blues of being a Black Indian, is one of transition from the culture of juke joints to the culture of the American church with the many triumphs and struggles that existed in between them. Nevertheless, he finds a way to break walls and build bridges through Gospel Blues music. Read more