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Make your own history : timeless truths from Black American trailblazers / Joseph H. Holland.

by Holland, Joseph H.

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Kensington Pub. Corp. c2023.

Leadership, Black.

Leadership, Black -- History -- 18th century.

Leadership, Black -- History -- 19th century.

Leadership, Black -- History -- 20th century.

Blacks -- United States -- Biography.

9781496743251 (hc.)

Alternate title:

Timeless truths from Black American trailblazers

420 p. ; 24 cm.

Joseph H. Holland is a writer, attorney, entrepreneur, and ordained minister. A former Director and General Counsel to the New York State Senate Housing Committee as well as New York State Housing Commissioner, he has for nearly four decades operated a Harlem-based real estate law practice and used his management skills to build commercial enterprises and expand employment opportunities in the region. He has written five books and developed the supplemental educational curriculum “Virtues Academy” (virtuesacademy.com) and presently serves as an elder of Harlem’s Bethel Gospel Assembly. A graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a BA and MA and was an All-American and Academic All-American football player, Holland has served as a member of the University's Board of Trustees since 1988. He holds his JD degree from Harvard.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 379-404) and index.

Collecting motivational quotes, historical contexts and enlightening precepts from Black trailblazers spanning the 18th century to the present, this celebration of the vast breadth and scope of Black excellence spotlights the principles of success exemplified by the lives of 120 Black role models.

"Delve into success principles exemplified by 120 Black role models who have blazed trails throughout American history... The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them (Ida B. Wells) ...The common denominator of success lies in forming the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do (Lewis Latimer) ...There is no such thing as standing still: you must fo up or down: you must increase or diminish: you must grow or decay: you must spread out or shrink up -- you can't stand still (Maggie Lena Walker) ....To struggle and battle and overcome and absolutely defeat every force designed against us is the only way to achieve (Nannie Helen Burroughs) ...Let us remember that we are making our own history (Hallie Quinn Brown)."

"Affirmative quotes and stories from an assortment of Black trailblazers emphasize aspects of overcoming adversity and making positive steps in one’s own life. Holland, an attorney, ordained minister, and entrepreneur, presents a roster of pioneers from colonial times to the present to help readers model behavior and extract lessons. His latest book, he writes, “is not only a resource for those in dire straits; it is also for those confronted by everyday challenges. Tools that fix broken-down vehicles work just as well on cars that only need a tune-up.” In 12 sections reflecting “12 vigorous virtues” (Courage, Self-Discipline, Compassion, Perseverance, Teamwork, Integrity, etc.), Holland picks a lively mix of subjects from across the historical spectrum. Thomas Morris Chester, the first Black war correspondent during the Civil War, and gymnast Simone Biles are among the “Trailblazers of Courage”). Tennis champion Althea Gibson and NBA legend Kobe Bryant exemplify self-discipline. As demonstrations of the virtue of civility, Holland includes Crispus Attucks, the first man to die during the Boston Massacre of 1770; the founders of the Niagara Movement; and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The first licensed female preacher in the history of the AME Church, Jarena Lee, and the preacher who spurred the Pentecostal Movement, Lucy Farrow, are avatars of faith. Other sections profile “Trailblazers of Compassion” (Ella Baker, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z among them), “Trailblazers of Perseverance” (including Charlotte Forten Grimké, Serena Williams), “Teamwork” (Harlem Hellfighters, the Obamas) “Industriousness” (Madam C.J. Walker), and “Self-Reliance” (Shirley Chisholm). After a brief summary explaining why he included each subject, Holland lists the life lessons and action items readers should take from their stories under punchy headlines that can serve as slogans for advocacy—e.g., “Tackle Your Fears,” “Take Down Barriers,” “Trigger the Future,” “Move With Unity.” Solid nuggets of wisdom and purpose."--Kirkus Reviews.

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