Chapter 3: Black Boy Rising

Throughout my life, I had to navigate various challenges including being born to a teenage mother in Camden, New Jersey, which is currently one of the poorest cities in the nation (Kozol, 2012). My family was rooted in the Black church, which hardened the relationship between my mother and grandmother before and after my birth. Fortunately, the challenges didn’t portend a dark future. However, throughout my childhood and adolescence I sought answers to the following questions: (a) “Why did my maternal grandparents have to mediate disagreements between my mother and stepfather ... ”; and (b) “Why did I struggle to stay focused in school ... ” In retrospect, I realize the support from my grandparents including instilling a strong moral foundation allowed me to find my place in the world. Without their investment I would have stumbled throughout life and faced a daunting future.