Congratulations to Herbert Jr., the winner of a
copy of my new book: A New Black America! I want to make sure I continue to
give back to people that really strive to make a difference in the community.
Keep up the great work! Here is the letter he submitted:
Herbert Jr., A senior high school teacher in
Florida.
Congratulations on your new book and your accomplishments Vernicia!
I believe that "A New Black America" could impact my life directly
and indirectly affect others that I communicate with on a regular basis. First
of all, I am a senior high school teacher at a school that is approximately
60% African American which, needless to say, I have a lot of interaction with
young black boys and subsequently I proudly accept the responsibility for
being a positive African American male role model in this educational setting.
Next, I have recently experienced several life changing personal trials and
tribulations that have led me to step back and take a long hard look at not
just my own life but life in general as it is today compared to when I was a
child. Times have surely changed drastically. Lastly, I have been speaking
with a few other African American male friends about starting a chess group
for young urban boys/teens with hopes that we may actually be able to mentor
these boys on issues related and unrelated to chess as well. There has been
clear evidence that the game of chess can stimulate a person's mind in so many
ways, such as; decision making, concentration, the value of patience and so
forth yet if this training can be integrated with a positive mentoring
component, in my opinion, this can really have a positive impact on the
children involved in this program. In conclusion, I had never been much of a
book reader until I had to for college and I became so intrigued by the
enormous amount of information available in books. More recently, I have
realized that several goals and dreams of mine are going to require research
and knowledge in order for me to plan and organize my thoughts and ideas. I
feel that your new book "A New Black America" is yet another
stepping stone to my body of knowledge that will be nothing short of useful as
I prepare for my journey into becoming a better teacher, mentor, role model,
and if god's will someday husband and father.
Thank you,
Herbert
