Dedication
RISE ABOVE: TRANSFORMING BLACK MALE IDENTITY -- Reclaim Your Power and Thrive Beyond Racism and Self-Hate Ending Homelessness by 2035
Dedication
This book is dedicated to all the young Black boys who have borne the heavy burden of slavery’s legacy and the cruel imposition of racism. To those who, because of systemic injustice and racist attitudes, have ever looked upon themselves with doubt, shame, or self-hatred—I see you. This is for the boys who have struggled in silence, for those whose dreams were diminished by the harshness of a world that told them they were less, and for those who felt the unthinkable weight of hopelessness, even to the point of taking their own lives.
May this work be a light that helps you see your immeasurable worth, reclaim your power, and rise above.
Rekindling Compassion: Navigating Service Without Burnout Empower Your Path with Timeless Strategies for Well-being and Resilience
Dedication
To the Pastors, Preachers, Personal Caregivers, Community Activists, Social Workers, Counselors, and Volunteers who have given selflessly, pouring their hearts and souls into serving others, often at the cost of their own well-being. This book is for you—the unsung heroes who have faced exhaustion, yet continue to show up, driven by compassion and a desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
May these pages offer you the strength, renewal, and strategies to continue your vital work without sacrificing your own health and spirit.
Ending Homelessness By 2035: A Blueprint for Change in America. Unlocking the Power of Community and Policy to Resolve America's Most Pressing Issue, now.
Dedication
To the millions of individuals and families who have faced the unimaginable hardship of homelessness, and to those tireless advocates, workers, and volunteers who fight daily to end this crisis—this book is for you.
In memory of the unnamed woman, found frozen to death outside Central Terminal, New York, on February 1, 1984, after being forced to leave the station by transit authorities. Your story is a stark reminder of the urgency and necessity of this work.
May this book serve as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for lasting change.
Acknowledgments
I extend my deepest gratitude to Professor and Attorney Lawrence G. Albrecht, formerly a Professor of Law at Valparaiso University School of Law. Your mentorship and guidance have been invaluable in shaping the ideas and principles within this book. I also want to thank the Valparaiso University School of Law family, with special acknowledgment to Professors Charles Gormley, Ivan Bodensteiner, and Rosalie Levinson for their academic support, professional guidance, and encouragement throughout my journey.
A heartfelt thank you to the South Shore Community Church of Chicago for your unwavering spiritual and community support, which has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
I also want to acknowledge and express my sincere thanks to the various homeless brothers who helped me while I was on the streets of Chicago, trying to understand the harsh realities of being without shelter. Your courage and resilience have profoundly influenced this work.
Lastly, to my sisters in the struggle, Mrs. Mary Simons, and Carrissa Corbett, you have been an inspiration. Your dedication and passion for this cause have fueled and renewed my determination to see this vision become a reality in my lifetime.