This week I will share a FEW best of Black Non -Fiction
novels.
The month is April, the year is 1961 and Mr. Abraham Bolden is a rookie agent for the Secret Service Chicago field office. He is standing at a post no other agent wanted, the bathroom entrance.
A conversation like this started:
President J.F. Kennedy: Has there ever been a Negro agent on the Secret Service White House detail?
Mr. Bolden replies: Not to my knowledge, Mr. President.
President J.F. Kennedy: Would you like to be the first?
Mr. Bolden with excitment says: yes, sir, Mr. President.Mr. Abraham Bolden remembers this encounter like it was yesterday.
Today, Mr. Bolden, age 75, has written about being the First African American assigned to the presidential Secret Service detail.
In his book Mr. Bolden meticulously backs up his claim of innocence with a blow by blow chronology of his legal ordeal for the twice tried bribery charges that led him to prison, the price he endured for his commitment to truth and justice. He details how the Secret Service chose to 'quiet' him. He writes about his thoughts and knowledge of the J.F. Kennedy assassination.
Becoming the 'Jackie Robinson of The Secret Service" stated by President J.F. Kennedy, Mr. Bolden continues to fight to have the conviction overturned and his name cleared. He states, "I'm going to always stand up for the truth and justice." (favorite quote of the book.)
The book is a historical read. It's a memoir of an unforgettable true story of bravery and patriotism in the face of bitter hatred and unthinkable corruption.
My favorite character was Mr. Bolden. He was courageous, thorough, and dedicated to his job. I met Mr. Bolden and to hear him tell his story brings tears of grief. He is a very humble man.
My least favorite character was Harvey Henderson. This is why:
"You're a nigger. You were born a nigger, and when you die, you'll still be a nigger. You will always be nothing but a nigger. So act like one!" Henderson spaced the words out slowly for emphasis, but his voice was rising." This novel sits on my bookshelf, "Deep In My Soul".
What an interesting story. The first Black man in the secret service is a big deal. I hate that he was wrongly imprisoned almost as a result of it. I'm not a big fan of non-fiction, but I think this one would make a good movie.
ReplyDeleteWow! Being the first black man in secret service must have been an honor. I agree this will make a good movie.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this. This sounds interesting and exciting at the same time.
ReplyDelete