The University of Washington-Bothell’s Mary Abrums, assistant professor in the nursing program, will release her new book “Moving the Rock: Poverty and Faith in a Black Storefront Church” Nov. 28.

The book, published by Alta Mira Press, “portrays several generations of African American women whose families migrated from the South to the Pacific Northwest in the 1940s and 1950s. As members of a small storefront church in central Seattle, these women — grandmothers, mothers, daughters — lean on their faith and church to face the challenges of poverty, racism, ignorance and health …These powerful, profound stories bring this group of women and their problems (and joys) vividly and movingly to life.”

Says Abrums, “When I originally did my research with the women, I promised them that I would do my best to make sure that their stories were published. Their stories help us explore how to make a difference in the world to create social justice.“

To celebrate its release, the university will host a book launch and author signing on Dec. 3 in the UW Bothell library room 205. The event will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale at $32.95 each. For additional information, contact (425) 352-3238.