He Called Me Sister: A True Story of Finding Humanity on Death Row

This book tells the story of a friendship that developed between a white middle-class woman and a black man on Death Row, despite their differences in race, privilege, and circumstance. It showcases the power of perseverance, forgiveness, and love to overcome barriers and how Cecil, despite his tragic life, maintained joy and hope. The book also highlights how Suzanne, Alan, and their daughters opened their hearts to Cecil and how he ministered to their family more than they did to him.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2023
Publisher: Church Publishing Inc

Deeply poignant and astonishingly personal, this "moving story of a death in Tennessee" (Bill Moyers) showcases the resilience of hope, the transformative power of grace, and the undeniable existence of humanity, even in the most profound depths of darkness.

The encounter between Alan Robertson and Cecil Johnson, initially driven by a church program aimed at offering friendship and compassion, unfolded as a complex interplay of race, privilege, and circumstance. Alan's wife, Suzanne, initially had no intention of becoming involved, but gradually, through phone calls and letters, she began to empathize and understand him. What transpired was a remarkable testament to perseverance, forgiveness, and love, demonstrating that differences need not be barriers.

This book chronicles a fifteen-year friendship that blossomed amidst challenging circumstances. It explores how trust and compassion were forged, despite the odds. Cecil, a Black man who grew up without advantages, ended up ministering more to Suzanne's family than they did to him. The story delves into Cecil's unwavering joy and hope, even in the face of tragic events that shaped his life. Suzanne, Alan, and their two daughters opened their hearts to a man convicted of murder, embracing the complexities and contradictions of his existence.

Cecil Johnson's execution on December 2, 2009, marked the end of a remarkable journey. However, his legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the profound impact that compassion, understanding, and the ability to see beyond labels can have on our lives. This poignant story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of places, there is the potential for light, redemption, and the existence of humanity.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640655959