Breaking Barriers: An African American Family & the Methodist Story

Just as Roots told the story of the African-American experience in the United States, Breaking the Barriers illustrates the experience of African Americans within United Methodism, and the important roles that faith, the church, and family played in molding the character and work of numerous individuals throughout the denomination.

On July 19, 1984, Leontine Current Kelly was elected bishop of The United Methodist Church, making her the first African-American woman to become a bishop within a major American religious denomination. Breaking the Barriers recounts the story of her journey and that historic achievement

Angella Current is an Executive Director for the Office of Loans and Scholarships with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. She is the daughter of Bishop Leontine Kelly and Gloster Current, Sr. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.