ReShonda Tate Billingsley writes Christian fiction directed at African-American women and teenage girls. Some of her books feature single characters using their faith to cope with issues. She left her job as a television news reporter in Houston to write full time.

Monique Moultrie is a professor of religious studies at Georgia State University in Atlanta, who specializes in women/gender studies, African-American studies and sexuality – specifically on African-American single Christian women.  She says more black women are single – and likely to stay that way – than any other population.

Read a Dec. 3, 2007, Los Angeles Times story about the growing appeal of the patroness of Mexico.

Read a Dec. 4, 2007, Catholic News Service story about the growing appeal of the patroness of Mexico.

Monica A. Coleman is associate professor of constructive theology and African-American religions at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, Calif. Among her interests is disability theology.

The Vera Institute of Justice works to improve justice services and systems through research and projects. Nicholas Turner is the president and director.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is a civil rights legal advocacy group based in Montgomery, Ala. Email through the website.

Partners Against Hate works to educate young people about hate and hate crimes. It is based in Washington, D.C. Contact 202-452-8310.