Tulip for Tebeau

Pioneers and their schools have long had a mutually beneficial bond. This symbiosis was eloquently articulated by a Duke University resident, Broadbent, at the dedication ceremony for the Samuel DuBose Cook Center for Social Equity: “You have led a remarkable life and we are today annexing your name to the fame of this school. Some might say we are honoring you by naming the Center after you, but everyone knows the truth - we are honoring ourselves and this Center by appropriating your enduring legacy.”

Cook, a distinguished political scientist, made history in 1966 as the first Black professor to receive tenure at a predominantly White southern university in the United States. By affiliating themselves with his pioneering work, schools like Duke aim to share in the honor and social capital of civil rights icons. Yet as Broadbent suggests, the true beneficiaries of such naming opportunities are arguably the institutions themselves.

Two Souls, Tandem Journeys

For anyone touched by the complexities of mental or physical disabilities, know this: you walk a path shared by many.

Marrying young, the author welcomed a precious baby boy into her world. But as the months unfurled, a mother’s intuition whispered that something was amiss.

Journey alongside this resilient mother and her son as they navigate:

• The twists of misdiagnoses, culminating in the dual challenges of autism and deafness;
• Tense stand-offs with a school system too quick to prescribe life-long medications;
• Contentions with county officials reluctant to provide essential services;
• Heart-wrenching episodes leading to his stay in a state mental hospital, and the beacon of hope from a non-profit that restored his well-being;
• Advocacy battles against bureaucratic walls, tirelessly fighting for proper care for the multiply-disabled deaf;
• A transformative spell of acceptance and growth in the commune of Rajneeshpuram, and much more...

Embark on this deeply emotional odyssey, witnessing their struggles, their joys, and the profound lessons they learn along the way. Discover the unparalleled patience and gratitude that can bloom from a parent’s unconditional love. By the journey’s end, you’ll be reminded of the boundless power of courage, determination, and the belief that happiness is attainable, even against overwhelming odds.

Unintended Consequences

This memoir reads like fiction, yet is very much genuine. It is at times a gut wrenching account of the journey this mother traveled to have a family and then to get help for the very same. It has twists and turns all along her long-traveled road and details in depth the complexities of a blended family and the emotional undercurrents within. You experience her joy, sadness, frustration, tenacity, and angst as well as her ability to channel those emotions to gain control of her life and generate positive change and productivity. Following her journey brings the reader to her mastery over life events as she blends resilience with hope and finds peace.

Unleashing My New Identity

Desperate for change, new beginnings, love, peace and understanding. By diving into Unleashing My New Identity: 4-Week Bible Study could be the very thing for you to unleash the new you. When reading verses from David, Isaiah, Esther, and so many more that are mentioned in this Bible study, will encourage and help you defeat what is holding you back from the best you.
David will teach you how to praise God through the good and the bad. Isaiah will give insight on salvation, so God could rescue us from our sins. Esther will encourage you to be still and quiet.
And wait for God to give you instructions on how to handle what you are up against. Unleashing the new you will bring forth confidence you never thought you would have. The blessings and favor that God has for you will begin to flow through your life.
The excitement of reading and studying will have you wanting more.

Unspoken Stories

In the 1980s, civil war was ignited in Sudan. This book presents the never-before-seen primary sources from panel discussions, diary entries and interviews from the early days of the Sudan’s People Liberation Army (SPLA/SPLM) rising against Old Khartoum Islamic governments.

Unspoken Stories presents the Second Sudanese Civil War from the perspective of a man who experienced parts of it firsthand. It places the conflict in a historical context, deeply exploring the political landscape of the past and present, and in the greater cultural conflict of the 1980s, connecting it to pan-African issues and Western politics. From Kenyan refugee camps to a school in the United States, Unspoken Stories gives a personal account and unique perspective on the two-decade long conflict.

What Kind of Girl?

For Caroline, being a girl is already confusing, and growing up in the small African country of Malawi, she is constantly asked the question, “What kind of girl behaves this way?” With a thousand cultural ideas flooding into her head from American TV and movies, she struggles to fit into the traditional African society she was born into. Instead, she chooses to stand out by taking risks that are curious beyond what is proper, leading to disapproval and harsh consequences. At nine years old, she finds herself enrolled in a high school at a boarding school far from her home and parents. Alone, she must finally answer the question “What kind of girl are you?” for herself.

What Kind of Girl? is a sweeping coming of age story about a girl in Malawi who must tangle with the gender restrictions, religious institutions, American cultural attitudes, and African traditions that seek to define who she can be as a woman. It is also a tale of how one girl’s story in a distant country in Africa can become all of our stories.

What Might Have Been

What Might Have Been carefully examines nine of the most fateful decisions made in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, considers alternatives that were not chosen, and asks the provocative question of how the course of history might have been fundamentally altered.

Where Have All the People Gone?

This poignant book delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on New York City, aptly known as the ‘Capital of the World.’ Divided into three compelling parts, it unravels the harrowing narrative through text and captivating imagery.

In the first part, readers are immersed in a comprehensive chronicle of the pandemic, capturing its relentless grip on the city and its inhabitants. It delves into the multifaceted consequences that unfolded, encompassing the devastating toll on healthcare, the economy, culture, and the collective psyche of New York City. This section serves as a somber reflection on the overwhelming challenges faced by the city, painting a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations endured.

The second part presents a surrealistic photographic testimony, allowing readers to witness the haunting transformation of New York City during the COVID lockdown. Through historically unique images, the book spotlights the eerily deserted streets and iconic landmarks that once thrived with vibrant energy. This visual exploration serves as a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between the city’s bustling past and its hauntingly quiet present, leaving a lasting impression of the profound impact the pandemic had on its urban landscape.

The third part focuses on some positive aspects of the pandemic, despite its gruesome human toll, as it concerns many aspects of our daily life, work, and the environment. It exposes how and why the pandemic has changed our perspective on life.

Together, these three parts create a poignant and powerful account of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on New York City. The book exposes the raw reality of the crisis while also offering glimpses of resilience and hope, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the city and its residents as they fought back against this devastating health crisis.

Where the Sun Didn't Shine

It's about time. This is the first true story about a much-decorated African American New York city police officer.

In the 1960s in Harlem, NYC, street crime was rampant on all levels. To most of the city's two million blacks and Hispanics, conditions were worse than ever. These conditions existed due to white racism over the years that was entangled with political and social greed.

The political powers then held a meeting in city hall. Included in this meeting were the mayor, police commissioner, and the then congressman of Harlem.

As a result of that unprecedented meeting, they reached out for volunteers from very young black and Hispanic officers in search of motivated, dedicated, committed, aggressive, and fearless officers, letting them be aware that there will be a high probability that some may be killed due to their all-out approach in eliminating gun runners and street narcotics conditions. Of 383 who volunteered, 20 were handpicked and called the New York City Police Department PEP Squad. Bennett Hinds was one of the members of this elite group. Three were killed and one crippled for life. None of the 17 survivors were ever promoted.

Who is Richard Stands and Why Do Our Children Pledge Their Allegiance to Him?

I remember my first day of school first as a student and then as a teacher. I was even more nervous as a teacher. I knew the material. I understood what I was supposed to teach. But I felt unprepared. When I walked into that classroom, I had no idea how to get my kids to buy what I was selling. After two years of uncertainty and self-doubt, I decided to stop trying to be something I wasn’t. I started being me. No more referring to my class as students. They were now “my kids.” A wise, veteran teacher once told me, “Get your kids to love you and they will do whatever you ask.” That’s exactly what we did. We started building real connections with the kids and their parents. The kids bought in. A lot of the parents did too. This family environment created daily rewards for all of us. These daily rewards were the reason we all wanted to be there.

Open the book. Read the first chapter. Then maybe the chapter on daily rewards. Relate it to your own experiences. See how we created a ‘Triangle of Trust.’ See how we created a family each year for eighteen years. A classroom filled with kindness, compassion, and a lot of laughter and joy. A classroom where good learning flourishes. It works. It’s fun. It’s a real family. Your family. I hope you enjoy it. I still miss opening the door each morning and turning on the light.

With God on My Side

Richard J. Spota has had a long and illustrious career. Within these pages, we get a glimpse into his long and remarkable life of service as a detective, lieutenant, and chief of police. Some of the highlights include the time he was a detective working on organized crime who, after making several felony arrests, was assigned to testify before a grand jury. After facing two failed murder attempts, he continued to testify before the grand jury under protective custody. There is the case of the Connecticut Bank Robbery gang, where he worked alongside a lieutenant surveilling the bank being cased by the gang. Spota drove the car which chased the robbers at high speed. After a shoot out, the three perpetrators were arrested and brought into custody. Or the case where former Westchester County District Attorney Carl Vergari said, "This is believed to be the first time a person has been indicted for homicide for the death of a person he sold drugs to." There's the case of the Dating Game Serial Killer, who was eventually brought to justice three decades later, on December 14, 2012. And the Sing Sing Escape case where, after a lot of work and dedication put into action by Spota, the convicts were apprehended and brought into custody. For his valiant efforts, Spota received a very sincere written commendation from Governor Mario M. Cuomo.

Wordship: My Soul Emptied and Bare

Are you stressed out without even realizing it? So was I. Are you searching for help and coming up short? So was I. If you’re seeking something but aren’t sure what it is, then you’re not alone. This book isn’t a magic fix for all your problems, but it offers companionship for those feeling alone in their struggles. Haunted by past relationships and overwhelmed by life? Inside these pages, you’ll find a fresh perspective on life’s journey. Each path leads us in a unique direction, and it’s up to us to find the right one. Through my personal experiences, I offer insights and lessons learned along the way, which might just help you see your path clearer.

This book is a treasure trove of life tips, quotes, poetry, scriptures, and entries from my personal journals. I share my ups and downs and the daily practices that brought purpose to my life. Even when we feel alone, we are never truly solitary: this truth is affirmed by my experiences and the Word of God. Additionally, I’ve included valuable advice from other authors whose wisdom helped me through tough times, saving you time and money.

Inspired by Toni Morrison’s advice, I wrote the book I wanted to read, hoping it serves as a therapeutic guide for your peace of mind and mental stability. This book is real, true, funny (I hope), and thoughtful. Take it home, curl up, and enjoy some hilarious and heartfelt moments. Unsure what BJJ, BJL, or ROL mean? Great! That’s just another reason to read this book. So, hurry to the register and embark on your own journey of discovery and healing.