Thank God for allowing me to see them in college developing an education foundation for their future. Also, I am grateful to God for allowing me to be able to support them with wisdom and resources. My Granddaughter, Danyelle, and I made a pact about the time of this picture that we would always have each other’s back. I received a text from her just a few days (Oct 9, 2020) which she gave me an update on her progress in college and she graduate in 2020 with a BS degree from The University of Tampa and currently taking the required test for entering the Master’s program. She said, thanks for all that you do and much more ……. I was reassured that she has my back. This made my day because, we all have family drama good drama and bad drama. Freddie LOVES his family that comes through the pages! But he recalls and candidly records good memories and sad ones. Perhaps you will see some family instances that remind you of yours.

During this event, I had the chance to speak about those events that helped me become a man. I shared important insights on how to be independent, how to never give up on yourself and even gives a few tips for how dads need to have good relationships with their children.

A brief meeting with Belize Director of Tourism who was present to honor the Cricket Team Winners. YES, YES, this is far from the GA cotton fields.

The period of 1945 – 1959 I had no knowledge or interest in politics. So, the research and writing My Live Journey was like taking a course in political history. I learned so much about what had not been relevant.

I first connected with politics during the 1960 closely contested election of Democrat United States Senator John F. Kennedy. At this time, I was twenty (20) years old and had no knowledge that in less than a year I would be on the ground in the Vietnam War.

Since 1962, I studied the political process and supported issues and politicians that I thought would support issues which would have a positive impact on my life. I am still reflecting on the joy and excitement of so many people that was in Washington, DC for Barack Obama’s Inaugurations.

My services in the military included a critical Job in support of the Cuban Missel Crises between the US and Russia and the US and Vietnam. I came away from Vietnam wounded and with health conditions that after an extensive fight with the Veteran Administration I received 100% service-connected disabilities. Yet, as a result of my Vietnam service in 1965 I have unforgettable memories and must have on-going medical treatments for several health conditions.

Drawing from my background, I had the courage to start my own business against all barriers of racial disparity, and in doing so, I created training opportunities and jobs for many individuals who could earn income at the federal wages rate.

Motivate by the absence of Blacks employed by my competitors with corporations and government agencies contracts, I took action and entered a partnership with the Urban Leagues to hire their trainees, and in doing so, I won multi-million dollar government janitorial contracts in OH, GA, TN, and NO, which created opportunities for the Urban League’s Trainees, mostly Blacks to get their first well-paying jobs.