No Random Act: Behind the Murder of Ricky Byrdsong

On July 2, 1999, a white supremacist killed two and wounded several others–all ethnic minorities. One of the victims was beloved former Northwestern University basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong.

A senseless act by a deranged murderer acting alone? Or just the tip of a massive “racial holy war”–one that is now heating up as whites become a minority in our society and hate groups prey on their fears?

No Random Act digs into the origins of the World Church of the Creator and investigates the evil spiritual influences that sent an affluent young white man on a shooting rampage against those with other beliefs, other skin colors. It intertwines the story of a hate group with the life of Ricky Byrdsong–a man free of prejudice, known for his integrity and faith in God. A man who drew people together across all ethnic and racial barriers and held no animosity even against his enemies. Two lives, two paths, two spiritual forces that ended in tragedy...and triumph.

Dave and Neta Jackson, a husband-and-wife writing team, were helping Ricky Byrdsong write Coaching Your Kids in the Game of Life when he was tragically murdered. With the help of Ricky’s widow, Sherialyn, the book was completed and published for Father’s Day 2000. The Jacksons and Byrdsongs are members of The Worship Center, a multi-racial nondenominational church in Evanston, Illinois. Dave and Neta are the authors of the four-volume set of Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Christian Heroes, and the best-selling Trailblazer books, a 40-book series of historical fiction about great Christian heroes for young people.