Jackie O’Neal, author of Woman Priest just released new book, a memoir about identity politics.
The Basque Witch trials. Family conflict. A vicious war that wiped out the African presence. Persecuted tribal groups and secrets of indigenous spirituality. A modern day shaman who through soul energy therapy, effects healing.
Author, Jackie O’Neal is a descendant of these groups and she sought to integrate her multi- cultural past to experience re-birth as a whole person in a society held down by limitations, racism, and division
The Basque Witch trials. Family conflict. A vicious war that wiped out the African presence. Persecuted tribal groups and secrets of indigenous spirituality. A modern day shaman who through soul energy therapy, effects healing. Author, Jackie O’Neal is a descendant of these groups and she sought to integrate her multi- cultural past to experience re-birth as a whole person in a society held down by limitations, racism, and division. Jackie O’Neal wrote, “My maternal grandmother, Antonia hailed from the province of Guizpicoa in the Basque country. My paternal grandmother, Rosario derived from the Basque country as well, but the specific region remains a mystery. Antonia’s husband, Fortunato traced his roots to the Mapuche Indians. My paternal grandfather, Ramon recognized Cadiz, Spain as his ancestral home, therefore European, indigenous roots have contributed to shaping my life and world view in a myriad of ways, I have still yet to understand. The reality is I’m a composite of several cultures which are reflected in my physical features. My husband says had it not been for my light complexion, I’d look completely African- American. Others perceive my visage as being that of a light-skinned black woman. And yet others have said they had never seen anyone with my physical features, and could not place my ancestry at all. Some surmised Jewish, while others, Hispanic, and yet others, Mediterranean. One woman I made a pastoral visit to when I was a chaplain at a local hospital had the audacity to say, “You are like Heinz- 57 varieties.” One of the questions woven through the narrative is related to exploring the notion, ” How will having descended from persecuted groups influence my present life?
“Jackie O’Neal’s writing, particularly that which incorporates her background, has a special kind of music. Her images are evocative, finely tuned, and spiritual. She sparkles as writer with great skill and sensitivity.”
-Elmaz Abinader, author of Children of The Roojme
“O’Neal’s pieces have an edgy quality; they seem driven by a kind of literary nervous energy reflecting a distinctive voice in prose: witty, knowing, surprising- filled with street-wise sauciness and sophistication.”
– Lucy Rosenthal, author of The Ticket Out
“..prose which is permeated with a lyrical and narrative sensibility ,which is truly unique.” – Thomas Lux, poet and author of Memory’s Handgrenade (1972), The Glassblower’s Breath (1976
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