ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book—and so many other opportunities—would not have been possible without the peaceful crusade of Martin Luther King, Jr. I thank him, and his fellow patriots—both remembered and forgotten—for their vision, courage, and sacrifice.
My thanks and gratitude go out to the following:
Scott Mendel, for believing in my work and finding it a home.
Malaika Adero, for granting me a home, encouragement, and guidance. Todd Hunter and the hardworking folks at Atria.
The Public School Heroes: Ms. Taylor, Mrs. Poulet, Mrs. Thrower, Ms. Balton, Mrs. Mullen, and Mr. Drulias.
The invaluable books on the era by David Garrow, Taylor Branch, and Michael Eric Dyson.
The Jacob K. Javits Fellowship. Jonathan Ames. The New York University Creative Writing Program and my teachers: E. L. Doctorow, Nicholas Christopher, and Chuck Wachtel.
Charles Salzberg and the New York Writer’s Workshop.
Samuel Maio, for believing early (even when I did not).
My family: Khadija El-Amin, Leroy Harrison, Sr., Pauline Harrison, Robert Avery, Sr., Dena Avery-DeGuzman, Butch DeGuzman, Alberta Finch, Sweetie Dean, Uncle Junior, Mildred, Earl, Latiah Hill, Wanda Thacker, John Harrison, Moses Gora, Larry Miller, Melissa, Megan, Jeffrey, Paula Mathis-Ellebie, Tom Ellebie, Steven and Vivian Myers, and all the other family and friends that I have failed to mention. Especially:
Eileen Miller-Myers, for your open-hearted generosity.
Doris Avery, for your wisdom and love.
Roy Harrison, for introducing me to faith and imagination.
Debra Harrison, for your strength, for all you’ve endured, for me, for everything.
Jennifer Harrison, my partner, best friend, soul mate, and inspiration.
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