"No one reports how many planes take off and land safely in the world everyday, but Heaven forbid if one, just one, falls out of the sky!" Such is the progress of the African American male.

There is a popular conception in America that black males have it rough and that the whole world is against us. It is a popular conception because there is so much `evidence' proving such a notion. Black males aren't openly, widely embraced by the white community; they no longer carry a good name with black females and worst of all, they seem to fall victim to other, yes other, black males. In the public eye, it looks pretty bleak, but is it?

Frederick B. Covington says "NO!" and has published a book to prove it.

Therefore I Am is an extraordinary collection of quotes, parables and idioms all contributed by successful African-American men. Quotes they used to stay focused on their road of success.

The label `successful' has not been granted to these men because they are famous. Author, Frederick B. Covington makes a wonderful assessment by stating "Therefore I Am takes the words from the everyday Black man. From one who has persevered through life and continues to remain ahead of the game." Men who strive to do the right thing; whether they receive recognition for it or not. Those Black men that take care of their families, work for their education and continue to move forward no matter how difficult life gets. Frederick B. Covington compounded this list of contributors that range from farmers, barbers, professors, banking executives, FBI agents, taxi drivers, doctors and students.

I loved this book because it is full of WISDOM. Quotes shared by men that have battled the stereotypical labels and continued to move ahead. These are heroes of the Black communities that are rarely showcased and their voices seem to be silent---well not anymore.

Occupational therapist, award-winning inventor, musician, entrepreneur and now author, Frederick B. Covington has compiled this marvelous collection that is easily read and could serve as a wonderful gift. It contains quotes and advice on the topics of intelligence, responsibility, point of view, character, diligence, relationships, prosperity and hope. Some of my favorites include:

"One thing you can give and still keep is your word."

"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge."

"Every closed eye is not sleeping and every open eye is not seeing."

"A wise person has something to say; a fool has to say something."

"Deliberate often, decide once."

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."

I highly recommend Therefore I Am: A Book for African-American Men. It praises and focuses on all of the "Behind the Scenes" people who make sure good values are continually handed down to a part of society that truly needs it.

Review by Robert Denson III
Managing Editor of Sunpiper Press

Frederick B. Covington has compiled a collection of sayings and teachings shared by African-American men ranging in age, social status, and beliefs in his first book, THEREFORE I AM: A Book for African-American Men. Broken into six main sections: Intelligence, Responsibility, Point of View, Character, Diligence, and Relationships, this book shares the lessons these men have learned through the words given to them in various parts of their lives. One of the more well-known sayings is "to whom much is given, much is required" which states one should give back from which they've been blessed to help others, as a means of progress for everyone. Also included are teachings that children are influenced by what they see and being accountable for your actions, no matter how small they seem as they can affect someone else. These types of teachings, amongst others in this book and those passed down from parents and other relatives, if followed, will build up not only the reader, but also those they interact with.

While this is a very good book and does a commendable job of keeping one focused in the right direction and informing men of their worth, their value, and the power they hold within themselves, I didn't necessarily see how it was specific to men. Most of the sayings I've grown up with myself and have also applied them to my life, so I don't think the collection is gender specific, but basically an inspiring and motivating guide in which anyone who chooses can use to empower themselves and those around them.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers