Blog Archives
A Teacher, Evangelist, and Leader
Born Missionary tells the remarkable life story of Islay Walden, a man born into slavery who overcame blindness, poverty, and prejudice to become an educator, poet, and minister. What inspired you to tell the story of Islay Walden?
Islay Walden was the founding minister and teacher at the church and school where my maternal ancestors lived. I was aware that he was a poet, known as the “Blind Poet of North Carolina.” but when I began looking for information on his life, I noted that there was scant information published about him. Most of the information was repetitious and frequently inaccurate. In addition, none of the essays noted that his primary focus was to bring education and the gospel to his community. Poetry was a tool he would use to help him accomplish that. None of the biographical essays noted that he had begun two successful school programs, one in Washington, DC, and the other in New Brunswick, New Jersey before returning to North Carolina. However, his reputation as a teacher, evangelist, and community leader had not gone unnoticed during his lifetime or at his death. Thus, after reading an obituary that extolled his talent as a “born missionary,” I chose that for the title.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
There was a section about his life primarily focused on his poetry in my previous book, From Hill Town to Strieby, which took about four years to research. This book was published four and a half years later. Once I began seeking research information beyond literary criticism, I found that there was very little official information available. I found that the best guide was Walden’s own poetry, which was heavily biographical, a fact not noted in any of the literary reviews or biographical essays.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to be able to show that while Walden had been successful as a poet, he had used his poetry primarily to further his vocation as a teacher and minister. His desire to bring education and foster the faith of his community were his greatest desires. He believed those were the tools that would help all he encountered and especially his community in North Carolina prosper both materially and spiritually.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Islay Walden’s story?
I want people to know that his was a story of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. He overcame a legacy of slavery, financial challenges and physical disability to gain an education in order to help all he encountered to have a better life.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website | Amazon
Born Missionary: The Islay Walden Story
Margo Lee Williams’s Born Missionary tells the remarkable life story of Islay Walden, a man born into slavery who overcame blindness, poverty, and prejudice to become an educator, poet, and minister. The book traces his journey from the plantations of North Carolina to the halls of Howard University and the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, where he became one of the first African Americans ordained in the Reformed Church in America. Through meticulous research and a clear narrative voice, Williams reconstructs a life of faith and resilience. She doesn’t just recount events. She restores the humanity and voice of a man who was almost lost to history.
Reading this book stirred something deep in me. I could feel the grit in Islay’s story. His persistence through blindness and hardship hit me hard. The way Williams weaves letters, poetry, and newspaper clippings into a vivid picture of his struggles makes the past feel close. Her writing feels both scholarly and warm, and she lets the historical documents breathe. I’ll admit, there were moments when the detail slowed me down, but I didn’t mind. The care she took made me trust her. I found myself rooting for Islay, not as a distant historical figure, but as someone I might have known. Williams also captures the contradictions of his time, the faith that built him up, and the racism that tried to keep him small.
Emotionally, I found myself angry, proud, and sometimes just quiet after reading a passage. Williams doesn’t sermonize; she shows the quiet power of purpose. Her portrait of Islay’s devotion to teaching and preaching made me think about how education itself was a kind of rebellion. I liked how she handled the tension between his poetry and his ministry. You can sense that both were ways for him to see beyond blindness, to express what light looked like to him. It’s moving without ever feeling forced.
I’d recommend Born Missionary to anyone who loves history that feels alive. It’s perfect for readers interested in African American heritage, the Reconstruction era, or stories of perseverance that don’t sugarcoat the past. Teachers, pastors, and anyone who believes in second chances will find something here. It’s not just a biography, it’s a reminder of how one life, lived with courage and faith, can echo through generations.
Pages: 121 | ASIN : B091MF5B48
Healing and Honesty
In A Journey into Manhood from the Path of an Idiot, you share with readers your reflections on childhood, family dynamics, and your personal growth. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was deeply important to me because I believe it’s vital for young boys and men to understand that making mistakes is part of life—and that it’s okay. Growth comes from acknowledging those mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward with purpose. My own life has faced challenges in every area imaginable, but through accountability and embracing my past, I was able to turn my struggles into stepping stones for success. Sharing this journey offers hope and encouragement to others who might feel trapped by their circumstances, showing them that change is possible and that their past does not define their future.
What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The most challenging part was opening up about the death of my nephew. My editor suggested I start the book with something compelling that would grab readers’ attention, but I hesitated because I had always hidden that pain. Confronting that loss forced me to face what I had been running from for years. Writing about it was emotionally challenging, but ultimately, it was a necessary step toward healing and honesty—both with myself and my readers.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish someone had told me not to fear success. Growing up, I found failure easy to accept because no one expected much from me. When success did come, I struggled to believe I deserved it or that I could overcome my mistakes. If I had known that success was attainable and that I was worthy of it, I might have approached life with more confidence and a greater belief in my potential.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experiences?
I want readers to see that no matter how many mistakes they’ve made, they can still achieve greatness. The key is to look past those errors and recognize the inner strength and goodness within oneself. Everyone has talents and a purpose—they just need to embrace who they are and keep pushing forward, helping themselves and others along the way.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The title of this book could have been written backwards, and it would still have conveyed the same meaning. From The Path of an Idiot to A Journey Discovering Manhood is the story I never thought I’d have the strength or the literacy skills to tell. This book is my truth—born from anger, shaped by confusion and survival, and ending in transformation. I wrote this for the boy I used to be: lost, unloved, and misunderstood. I wrote it for the man I was becoming—reckless, hardened, and trying to find meaning in a world that never gave me a blueprint for manhood. And I wrote it for every person who has ever wondered if redemption is still possible.
Through raw reflection and hard-earned lessons, I open the door to my past from illiteracy, juvenile detention, and gang involvement to the struggles of fatherhood, faith, and forgiveness. This isn’t a polished tale of overnight success. It’s a testimony of stumbling, standing again, and finding purpose on the road I once thought would destroy me.
If you’ve ever felt broken, overlooked, or counted out, I hope this book reminds you: the journey may start in darkness, but it doesn’t have to end there.
This is my journey. These are my lessons. This is Manhood, revealed.
–Carandus T. Brown Sr.
A Journey Into Manhood From the Path of an Idiot
Carandus Brown’s A Journey into Manhood from the Path of an Idiot is a raw and deeply personal memoir that chronicles one man’s long, often painful climb from childhood confusion to adult accountability. With each chapter framed as a “lesson,” Brown reflects on his life from traumatic events and broken family dynamics to brushes with the law, misguided relationships, and spiritual reckonings. What starts as a candid account of pain and dysfunction slowly morphs into a powerful meditation on growth, faith, and the courage to confront your past. This is a book about how a boy with no clear path to manhood stumbles, fights, learns, and ultimately walks that road anyway.
Reading this book felt like being handed someone’s journal, written with no filter and no concern for appearances. I admired that. Brown’s writing is emotional and gritty, full of hurt and hope in equal measure. He doesn’t try to dress up his experiences. He owns his mistakes, often with heartbreaking honesty, and that kind of vulnerability resonated with me. Some parts were painful to get through, especially the loss of his nephew and the scenes with his father, but those chapters gripped me. It’s not just the storytelling, though. It’s how Brown unpacks each memory, not just to remember it, but to understand what it meant, what it cost, and how it changed him.
There were moments when the writing got a little long-winded. I sometimes wished he’d pulled back just enough to let the reader breathe. But even in those moments, I could feel the sincerity behind every word. And there’s poetry in how he writes, even when he’s angry or confused; there’s rhythm and raw beauty to the way he strings his thoughts together. His lesson on education, how he faked reading as a kid just to survive the shame, hit me in the gut. And the spiritual themes, especially his talks with God, felt real. Not polished. Not preachy. Just real.
This isn’t a polished self-help book or a clinical story of recovery. It’s a firestorm of memory and meaning, one that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost, unloved, or misunderstood. I’d recommend A Journey into Manhood from the Path of an Idiot to young men navigating tough upbringings, to anyone grappling with forgiveness, and to readers who crave stories that bleed truth. Brown may have taken the long way to manhood, but this book proves he got there, and he brought a whole lot of wisdom with him.
Pages: 160 | ISBN : 978-1681116082
Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience
DK Edwards opens his heart in Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience, offering a deeply personal account of growing up in an impoverished household. This poignant memoir provides Edwards a chance to reflect on his journey and the sacrifices made by his single mother. With each chapter ending in a heartfelt letter to his mother, Edwards pays homage to her unwavering determination, illuminating how her accomplishments shaped his life and resilience.
The writing is heartfelt, but at times, almost heartbreakingly raw. Edwards doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths about abandonment, hunger, and violence. The book also delves into the complexities of systemic racism with piercing honesty. These moments are recounted with a mixture of youthful confusion and adult clarity, making them deeply impactful. What stands out is Edwards’s ability to weave in nuanced reflections on poverty and resilience. He describes with striking candor the shame of using food stamps, the hunger that drove him to steal from his mother’s purse, and the bittersweet irony of his mother working in social services while their family relied on welfare. Yet, the narrative doesn’t dwell in despair, it showcases his mother’s unwavering determination to provide, her strength in adversity, and the profound impact she had on her children. The story of her helping a struggling client with her limited resources was a moving reminder of her generosity despite their own hardships. Edwards’s prose is simple yet evocative, and his storytelling brims with authenticity. The book left me reflecting on the resilience it takes to transcend generational poverty and the ways systemic inequalities shape lives, even as the human spirit finds ways to persevere.
Dear Mama: A Journey Through Poverty, Race, and Resilience is a heartfelt and relevant memoir that resonates with today’s struggles. The story’s emotional depth and raw honesty make it an engaging read. Edwards’ tribute to his mother is a testament to the enduring power of love and perseverance, offering hope to those facing similar trials. This is a book that deserves a place on the shelves of readers drawn to stories of resilience and the human spirit.
Pages: 113 | ASIN : B0DBZQ3PS1
Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word
When you open a non-fiction book beginning with “I,” the next word you expect is not “died,” especially not referencing a past event. However, Paul O. Scott masterfully captures attention from the very first beep. His memoir, Trouble Ain’t Nothing But a Word: Conquering Fear, chronicles Scott’s tumultuous life, filled with challenging times, encounters with racism, criminal charges, jail time, and a near-death experience. The book opens with a gripping recount of Scott’s heart attack, which left him in a vegetative state. Despite doctors’ grim prognosis, his wife insisted on pursuing the best possible care. As Scott takes readers through his arduous journey to rehabilitation, he also reflects on his childhood in a Christian Science home, his troubled youth, and his struggles with faith.
Scott’s detailed recollection of his past, even after such a catastrophic health event, is remarkable. This aspect highlights his storytelling ability and the profound depth of his memories. With an engaging and immersive narrative, Scott draws readers into his life, making them deeply invested in his journey. His storytelling prowess is evident as he navigates through different phases of his life. Trouble Ain’t Nothing But a Word offers a satisfying and coherent narrative arc. The memoir is fundamentally about redemption, recovery, and resilience. It’s a story of overcoming immense physical and emotional challenges, leaving readers with a sense of hope and admiration for Scott’s journey. It celebrates his ability to overcome adversity and rebuild his life.
Trouble Ain’t Nothing But a Word is a compelling read that not only provides a detailed account of Scott’s life but also showcases the incredible human spirit’s capacity for recovery and resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a testament to Scott’s strength and determination, making it a highly recommended read for those seeking inspiration and a powerful story of personal triumph.
Pages: 313 | ASIN : B0CWQ6BJMZ
Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word: Conquering Fear
Paul Orlando Scott’s memoir, Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word: Conquering Fear, chronicles the tumultuous journey of a man born into a large, complex family in 1954 Chicago. Raised as a Christian Scientist and the sixth of eight siblings, Paul navigated the challenges posed by his father’s post-World War II trauma and resultant alcoholism. With an often absent father, Paul sought guidance from his older siblings and the streets, leading to a youth marked by delinquency, substance abuse, and instability in both his careers and relationships.
The narrative reaches a poignant climax with the loss of his younger brother, Peter, an event that precipitated a profound personal crisis yet eventually spurred a transformative self-reckoning. Paul’s subsequent career path—spanning roles in correctional facilities, teaching, campaign management, and ultimately, a respected consultant and educator—mirrors his journey from chaos to purpose. This memoir offers a recount of personal redemption and an insightful look into the vicissitudes of urban life and the resilience required to overcome them. Paul’s vivid recounting of his youthful escapades, from romantic pursuits to spontaneous adventures with friends, enriches the memoir with both humor and wisdom. Particularly moving is the portrayal of his relationship with his wife, whose devotion played a crucial role during his life-threatening ordeal.
Trouble Ain’t Nothin’ But a Word: Conquering Fear is a testament to the idea that one’s future can shine bright despite a shadowed past. Paul Orlando Scott’s life story, characterized by significant adversity but also remarkable recovery, is engaging and imbued with life lessons that resonate long after the last page is turned.
Pages: 313 | ASIN : B0CWQ6BJMZ
Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future
Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future is a moving and meticulously researched compilation by Lori Ann LaRocco and Abby Wallace. This work delves into the experiences of four African American families across two centuries, tracing their journey through numerous trials and tribulations. The narrative encapsulates both the harrowing aspects of their histories and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a testament to the unrecognized contributions of the enslaved individuals who played a significant role in shaping American history.
The core message, “We are all a product of our past,” resonates throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of historical narratives passed down through generations. LaRocco and Wallace have devoted extensive hours to interviewing descendants and griots, the traditional custodians of these family stories, ensuring an authentic and detailed portrayal of their subjects. The book not only revives forgotten African traditions and histories but also confronts the ongoing issues of dehumanization and discrimination against Black Americans.
The narrative begins with the poignant tale of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to America, and progresses through the establishment of Africatown by Pollee and Rose Allen. It presents the compelling history of the Madison family, descended from an American president, and the enduring legacy of the Quander family, one of America’s oldest documented Black families. The book culminates with the inspiring story of the Brooks family, distinguished by having three Generals within their lineage.
Targeted primarily at the youth, Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future serves as a profound reminder of the importance of understanding one’s heritage to foster a brighter future. However, its reach extends far beyond the young adult demographic. LaRocco and Wallace’s book offers an enlightening perspective on American history, capable of moving readers deeply and altering their perceptions of everyday life in the United States.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0CR8232WM
LITERARY TITAN 