Arising
is the autobiography of Kevin Locke—a member of the Lakota tribe and a
renowned hoop dancer, flutist, and storyteller—who has traveled the world
as a performer and a promoter of principles such as the oneness of
humankind. Locke’s early life was distinguished by a quest for meaning, and
on the advice of tribal elders, he embarked as a young man on a traditional
four-day fast to seek answers about his life’s direction. The fast, which
Locke describes in fascinating and vivid detail, did not seem at first to
present the answers he sought.
Spending time in Alaska, New Mexico, and South Dakota in his youth, Kevin
saw firsthand the inspirational and tireless efforts of his mother,
Patricia Locke, in working to empower native communities, and he began to
immerse himself in Lakota customs, studying the language and gaining a
mastery of it. In what would prove to be a pivotal moment in Kevin’s life,
he learned the hoop dance for which he is most well-known, and which he
would travel the world performing. Kevin’s stunning performances have
offered audiences in every corner of the globe a glimpse of Lakota culture
and have served to reinforce cultural and spiritual connections between
people of all backgrounds.
Throughout the pages of Arising, Kevin brings his international
travels to life in colorful detail; reflects on the significance of the
Bahá’í Faith, the religion with the world-embracing vision that he embraced
early in his adult life; recounts his experiences with and lessons learned
from his mother, a recipient of the MacArthur Genius Award; and shares his
understanding of Lakota belief and culture. The result is a beautiful book
full of engaging stories and a deep spirituality that will touch the hearts
of many readers.