By André Green/reporter

   The African American Heritage Committee on South Campus is providing a month-long lecture series for all students in honor of Black History Month.
   As part of that series, James T. Branch Jr., reading instructor on NE Campus, will present a lecture on his new book: The Vacant Pews: Why Aren’t African American Brothas Going to Church Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 12:30 p.m. in the SSTU Forum Room on South Campus.
   Branch’s book The Vacant Pews attempts to answer the question as to why church attendance is significantly down within the black community. His research into the topic started as a basic barbershop conversation, which then led him to the realization that this was an important subject to tackle and a question he was compelled to answer.
   “ I was getting a haircut when the subject was raised as to why black men are less active these days in the African American church,” he said. “As I listened, I began to realize that I needed to write the information down and then concluded that I would write a book from the information I had gathered.”
   Branch spent approximately eight months gathering research by visiting churches and interviewing younger black males as to why they are less interested in attending Sunday service.
   “ I focused on younger black males, the Hip-Hop generation, to learn why they are less likely to be active as well as attend church,” he said. Their answers will shock and amaze you and hopefully make you think about what we can do as a people to change our views on church.”
   Following the lecture, he will take questions and comments and sign copies of his book.
Vacant Pews is available for order at www.vacantpews.com.
   Persons needing reasonable accommodation because of a disability or further information can contact Zeb Strong Jr., student activities director at 817-515-4553.