15/10/2024
About This Book and Words of Acknowledgement
A lot has happened since I began writing this book, the most significant event being that one of my mentors, Dr. Obidike Kamau, died. I would have never published a book if he had never come into my life. Yet his death now makes my mission more imperative: to know thyself, to bring more knowledge and awareness to the masses, and to help the poor and disenfranchised.
Dr. Kamau's death is also why another of my mentors, Dr. Alex Lewis, is portrayed as a character in the book. He is the last of my original three mentors from Langston University who is still alive. I wanted the world to understand the impact and significance Dr. Lewis has had on my life; it has been THAT significant! The relationship that Dr. Lewis develops with Robert, one of the main characters in the book, is similar to the one he developed with me at Langston University.
Because he saw something in me, Dr. Lewis rode me harder than Seabiscuit and ushered me toward academic excellence. He challenged and encouraged me to develop my critical thinking skills. But most importantly, Dr. Lewis always seemed to become excited by my written words and showed me that they could be more powerful and deadly than any weapon ever made. He showed me that I could effect change, especially in the Black community. This book is a testament to that potential for change, and I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me.
This brings me to the subject of how to best use this book. It can be read for entertainment or to learn. At the back is a word bank and formatives for each chapter. Parents can read it with their children or have them read a chapter and then test them over the material, or they can test themselves. Regardless of how it is utilized, a quote from Dr. Kamau is applicable here: "Read and learn how to think for yourself!"
I have attached a bibliography at the back. This is not just fiction but historical fiction that uses real history as the backdrop of the story. If there are any topics or people you wish to learn more about, the bibliography is a treasure trove of information. It's a chance to delve deeper into the story's historical context and feel more informed and enlightened.
