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foxandbooks's review
4.0
Michael Tubbs is an amazing young man! I requested this book on Netgalley because I thought the blurb sounded interesting. I was wrong, and right. This book wasn't just interesting... It was awe inspiring!
Michael was the first black Mayor of Stockton, California... And he was the youngest mayor ever of a major American City. He accomplished more in his 20's than most people can or have done in their lives. And he did so while having to navigate immense hurdles... One of which was an education system that told him that he would never amount to anything. That he would either be dead or in jail just because of his race. As a white woman, I know these things happen, but to read it and to understand it is heartbreaking. We tell our kids every day that they can be anything they want to be in this country, but to tell a child that he will never amount to anything because of the color of their skin is abhorrent! Teachers.... People whose chosen profession is to educate our youth, doing the exact opposite of what they are supposed to do... Is just so mindnumbingly wrong!
This book, among others, has opened my eyes once again to the prevalent racism in this country.... BUT it has also shown me the power of a mother's love. What three women can do in order to make sure their child will make it in this world. And not only make it, but MAKE IT!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Flatiron Books and Michael Tubbs for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Michael was the first black Mayor of Stockton, California... And he was the youngest mayor ever of a major American City. He accomplished more in his 20's than most people can or have done in their lives. And he did so while having to navigate immense hurdles... One of which was an education system that told him that he would never amount to anything. That he would either be dead or in jail just because of his race. As a white woman, I know these things happen, but to read it and to understand it is heartbreaking. We tell our kids every day that they can be anything they want to be in this country, but to tell a child that he will never amount to anything because of the color of their skin is abhorrent! Teachers.... People whose chosen profession is to educate our youth, doing the exact opposite of what they are supposed to do... Is just so mindnumbingly wrong!
This book, among others, has opened my eyes once again to the prevalent racism in this country.... BUT it has also shown me the power of a mother's love. What three women can do in order to make sure their child will make it in this world. And not only make it, but MAKE IT!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Flatiron Books and Michael Tubbs for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
treberry's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
“As both a council member and an educator, I learned a lesson that I am still relearning: it might take more time, it might be messier, but it is vital to make people feel ownership of change that will affect them. Bring people in, and they will implement solutions with commitment.”
I always make time to read about successful, young Black people on the move. Michael Tubbs’ relentless ambition helped him to secure many great accomplishments and his seat in some powerful positions: interning in the White House during President Obama’s term, serving on city council, and becoming the first Black mayor in his hometown of Stockton, CA.
He created some community-based initiatives to help people most in need and stood unshakable in the face of adversity and controversy. One was the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) project, which randomly selected 30 families to grant $500/month. So, this was basically a stimulus program before the national stimulus program. Visionary! Forward thinking!
I most admired the way he continues to plant seeds of hope, success and character in the students he works with. It is important for youth to be able to connect with powerful people and resources to give them something great to aspire to. It’s one thing to see a success story on tv, it’s more impactful to experience it first hand.
Michael’s story is uplifting and empowering and makes it clear that all goals are attainable - no matter where you started - if you stay focused, dedicated and work hard!
🎁Thank you @flatironbooks for my gifted copy!
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