Fiction. African American Studies. PATHS OF SANCTUARY is a magical-realism novel which traces the life of an African-American family from enslavement in 1796 through post reconstruction to its eventual settling in Sanctuary, a small mountain village situated geographically just below the first gates of heaven. The novel centers on the forbidden commingling of the people of clay (man) with the people of fire (angels) and the friction that occurs whenever two bordering cultures co-exist. Told in an almost lyrical narrative, PATHS OF SANCTUARY explores the hidden complexities discovered within family, including the trials found within infidelity, friendship and love. Ihsan Bracy is a former member of the New York State Council of the Arts and former chair of the Theatre Department of Talent Unlimited High School, NYC's second largest performing arts high school. A spoken word and Brooklyn based artist, Ihsan has performed all across the city including a long running appearance at The Triad as part of composer Michael Raye's Soul Gathering.