Overcoming

I was born on March 15 1951 in Potts Camp Mississippi but my journey began more than 2000 years ago on Calvary when Jesus Christ laid down His life so that I might have life and have it more abundantly. My birth assisted by a midwife in an iron bed in my maternal grandparents' modest home was the beginning of a life filled with love hope and many challenges that I had to overcome. I learned how to survive and thrive in a culture wrought with systemic racism that is stilted against persons like me. I thank the Lord for His grace and mercy for without Him I don't know where I would be. It is because of Him that I was able to achieve success in many areas of my life and use wisely the gifts that He has given me. This book is my story one that I hope will be a testament to the trials and tribulations I have overcome as well as a lasting legacy of the contributions that I made-by the grace of God-to American society. This is a success sto-ry that I hope will inspire my sons and other Black men women boys and girls who must cope with racism in this country in addition to the everyday chal-lenges of life. I also hope that my White peers will read these words and stop to ask themselves what it's like to be a person of color in our culture. More importantly I pray that as God continues to reveal His plan for my life that I will be attentive and obedient to His will. My story highlights how I beat the odds and overcame-or at least man-aged as best I could-numerous adversities in my life.During our life journey all of us face crises challenges and disappoint-ment. Dean's thought-provoking book provides real-life examples of overcom-ing tragic and deeply challenging situations. Facing health crises racism the death of his spouse and job disappointments he still managed to overcome and provide a lifetime of distinguished service to others.HAROLD MEZILE Former President/CEO YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities Minneapolis MinnesotaIn Overcoming Willie Dean shows both his human vulnerability and spir-itual faith (that without question grew deeper and stronger from every ad-versity and challenge he faced endured and overcame). I applaud Willie for being candid about the struggles and setbacks he's faced professionally and personally and his openness about God's faithfulness during these times.-REV. CARLA M. MITCHELL Former Pastor St. Peter's AME Church Minneapolis MinnesotaA must-read Overcoming is not only a classic example of how a Black man navigated a path to success in a world so obstinately opposed to him but it also is a moving illustration of the power of love...love of God family and mankind. Insightful timely sensitive and transformative.-GLORIA SPIGHT Former Teacher Memphis City Schools