On the eve of the 21st Biennial Session of the National Convocation, the Convocation has released the new book Know Us Our Story Shall Be Continued: A History of Black Disciples in the Mid-Atlantic Eastern North Carolina and Virginia by Rev. J.O. Williams Sr. Know Us Our Story Shall Be Continued is a detailed study of the development and establishment of the Assembly Churches along the eastern seaboard.

Williams has played a historic role in Disciples' history. He was the first African-American pastor to a white congregation in North Carolina and is the father of Second Vice Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Marilyn F. Williams. Each registrant to National Convocation's Biennial Session, which will take place July 29-Aug. 1 in Oklahoma City, will receive a copy of the book. To find out more about National Convocation, visit: www.disciples.org/convo