As the grandson of Washington Territory pioneers, my story begins with my struggles to understand and survive as a colored boy growing up in Seattle, Washington during the racially revolutionary 1950’s and 60’s. I share my spiritual quest as a young African American, with Congolese, Celtic and Cherokee ancestry, culminating in my long journey home to Mama Africa.
The dynamics of race in mid-twentieth century America play out vividly in my moving from a Black neighborhood to a White one, where I first learn the “n*****” word. Further, due to my complexion, I have to cope with both the inter- and intra-racial dynamics of color. My transition to adulthood happens under the guidance of my parents and my mentor, a celibate Episcopal priest. In the late 1960’s, when social and racial tensions are boiling over, I am caught up in the turbulence of the time negotiating the cross-cultural challenges as a young Black man in a predominately White world.
After some success as a civil rights attorney, I travel to Europe where I discover the Old World. Destiny then takes me from Sweden in the north to my ancestral home land, Mama Africa. I experience captivity in the Sahara, see the effects of Colonialism, fight a bout with Malaria in up country Liberia, and partake of the beauty of Africa's people, culture and land. My ethnic identity again plays a role in my relationships with the people I meet on my long journey home.
This story shows my evolution in consciousness from colored to black. It's also about coping with the social crisis reverberating at home and in Africa during the 1960's and early 1970's. This is the story of the people and events that shaped my life as an African American.
The dynamics of race in mid-twentieth century America play out vividly in my moving from a Black neighborhood to a White one, where I first learn the “n*****” word. Further, due to my complexion, I have to cope with both the inter- and intra-racial dynamics of color. My transition to adulthood happens under the guidance of my parents and my mentor, a celibate Episcopal priest. In the late 1960’s, when social and racial tensions are boiling over, I am caught up in the turbulence of the time negotiating the cross-cultural challenges as a young Black man in a predominately White world.
After some success as a civil rights attorney, I travel to Europe where I discover the Old World. Destiny then takes me from Sweden in the north to my ancestral home land, Mama Africa. I experience captivity in the Sahara, see the effects of Colonialism, fight a bout with Malaria in up country Liberia, and partake of the beauty of Africa's people, culture and land. My ethnic identity again plays a role in my relationships with the people I meet on my long journey home.
This story shows my evolution in consciousness from colored to black. It's also about coping with the social crisis reverberating at home and in Africa during the 1960's and early 1970's. This is the story of the people and events that shaped my life as an African American.
