St. Augustine, one of the most influential figures in Christian history, has been depicted as black in a children’s book called Heroes of Hope. The book seeks to inspire children with examples of saints who were often erased from history due to whitewashing and includes 21 other diverse figures.
Aurelius Augustinus, born in 345 AD in modern-day Algeria, became the bishop of Hippo. While historically portrayed as white, efforts have been made to present him as black, challenging the narrative of his ethnicity.
Heroes of Hope was co-authored by The Rev Dr Sharon Prentis, emphasizing racial justice in Christian teachings. The Church of England’s commitment to diversity is evident in this book and its efforts to promote inclusivity through literature.