L.D. White

Excellent read. Vintage historical book. This biography presents the history and one man's path through it in a way that brings it home for all kids, and maybe especially for black kids living in Texas and the desert southwest: Get off the plantation and think for yourself. You can do more than you think you can. Use your freedom to gain education and skills. Use your education and skills to reach your goals and help others. While not disrespectful toward his father, the book shows how George wanted more than his blacksmith father could offer. While faced with the disappointments of life interacting as an equal with whites (his name, the uncertainty of treatment, the rumors of lynching, the impossibility of finding a woman to marry), this book shows the proud accomplishments of a community leader dedicated to training up other leaders. This book is a great look at individual accomplishments, dignity, and community leadership.