This weekend the 2nd Annual Black and White Like You and Me Breakfast was held at the restaurant of my former student at Brother Rice High School, Peter Andoni – Shields Restaurant in Southfield, Michigan. Over the past week, I could not help reflecting on the past sixteen months since the book was released on February 2, 2017.
Cookie and I conceived the idea for the book sometime in 2012 or 2013. The gestation period was quite long as we gathered information, met with contributors Spider Daniels and Derek Palm, and began writing. While the book was in labor, so to speak, Cookie and I paced like two nervous fathers awaiting the arrival of our firstborn. Questions entered our minds, such as would it be healthy and strong; would it be vital; would it be attractive; would anyone like it besides its proud parents.
And then the miracle of birth arrived. All our worries and concerns were placed aside as the book made its debut into the world. It is healthy, vital, attractive, and well-liked! We are grateful to everyone who has helped us with not only words of encouragement but also with referrals for presentations and purchases of the book.
Cookie continues to remind me that we are just at the tip of the iceberg promoting our message:
If blacks and whites just get to really know one another, this world will be a better place
I am the impatient one of our duo. Cookie says that blacks have waited many, many years for equality and justice. He is determined to wait as this movement unfolds. It is in God’s time, not ours. We make a good team with me pushing impatiently and with him being the calming force.
If someone would have told us just how much media coverage and how many appearances we would have made since the book’s release on February 2, 2017, we would have been stunned. Channel 7 with Brad Galli, University of Detroit Mercy’s Spiritus Magazine thanks to Ron Bernas, the Oakland Press thanks to Scott Burnstein, the 910am Superstation radio show thanks to the late Cliff Russell, several libraries across the metropolitan area, book clubs, and high schools – just to name a few. What a ride we have been on! Find out where we’ll be next on the Events Calendar.
Who knows what the future will hold for us? We know that as long as we are doing this work, God will send us where we are needed.
Thank you for your support!
