Featured photo: It was on Dr. Telishia Berry’s (pictured) heart to compile the book “The Heart of a Black Man: Inspirational Stories of Triumph and Resilience.”
By Tanya Terry, with photos provided by Dr. Telishia Berry
Shortly after the George Floyd situation and other racial tension the country was facing, it was on Dr. Telishia Berry’s heart to compile the book “The Heart of a Black Man: Inspirational Stories of Triumph and Resilience.” She did so with the goal of combatting stereotypes. In doing so, fathers, husbands, leaders, pastors, teachers, attorneys and entertainers were among those she enabled to participate in the anthology.
Of the 30 extraordinary authors, the book includes contributions from seven residents and natives of Flint.
Berry is also the publisher of Courageous Woman Magazine and Courageous Men Magazine. So, to find the co-authors, she put a call out on the publications’ mailing lists stating men were being sought to do an anthology. Women, many of whom work in business or entertainment, referred men they knew. Since in addition, Berry is a Flint native, she also reached out to men she knew would have good stories and who may want to contribute.
“We narrowed it down to those who really understood what the project was about and how they could benefit,” stated Berry. “It’s more than just a story. A lot of these men are looking for opportunities to be motivational speakers or they already are motivational speakers.”
Celebrity photographer and Flint Native Tisha Brenee’ was responsible for photographing the authors for the cover, and Flint City Councilman Eric Mays wrote the forward.
Mays describes himself as “honest, spiritual and blessed,” and tried to relay the message “people should keep the faith through the ups and downs of life” through his writing of the forward for the book.
“It was my first time writing a forward,” he said. “I enjoyed writing it, and I enjoyed the parts of the book that I refer to.”
DeWaun E. Robinson is the CEO of Artistic Visions Enterprise. His work to eliminate systemic and structural racism spans this continent, Haiti and Africa.
Robinson describes himself as ‘‘a renaissance rebel.’”
Robinson’s chapter of the book is titled “Blood, Sweat and Harmony.” He says this is because a lot of blood and sweat has been taken for his work.
“Ultimately, the goal is to bring harmony to not only this community, but this world,” Robinson said.
Robinson talks about unfortunate circumstances he lived through during his adolescent years while living in Flint and Detroit. He said the transitions a person makes when trying to rise up can often make a difference.
Community Worker and Flint Native Chuckii Montgomery describes himself as one who gives of himself.
The title of Montgomery’s chapter is “The Rise From the Fall,” a title he prayed about and that he intends to be for “an inspiring chapter.”
Montgomery offers positivity to those who follow him on social media.
“I just want to make sure that through all that I have given throughout my life, it counts and that I was able to help somebody,” he said.
Johnell Allen-Bey describes himself as “humbled.”
His chapter is titled “Motions Bring About Movement.”
Allen-Bey served 29 years of time imprisoned at the Michigan Department of Corrections and said it helped him execute his game plan and cultivate relationships.
Allen-Bey is a now successful businessman, executive director for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, a counselor, husband, son and grandfather. He runs a program called Ignite for Genesee County, which stands for Individuals Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education.
He said when Black men are not valued, it sometimes puts them in positions where they just give up.
“It’s important for us to be able to give value to people while they’re incarcerated,” he said.
Pastor Dartanyan T. Jamerson says he is “relational” and that in the book he is depicted as “an overcomer.”
His chapter of the book is titled “From Bastard to Greatness.” Jamerson was born to his mother and biological father out of wedlock.
Jamerson said his father, who is a pastor now, has never owned him.
“But everything that my mother instilled in me, the people that my mother had the wisdom to put me around, has propelled me to places and rooms with U.S. secretaries of HUD, senators, congressman and even Bishops in the Lord’s church,” said Jamerson.
Jamerson stated that part of the platform and mission of the writers is to help the masses understand a Black man’s heart is not always bitter or angry. Instead, he said it’s absolutely unifying, loving, caring, supportive and wants to do what’s best for its community and its surroundings.
Jamerson is the author of “Call Me Ishmael, Defying the Odds” and the founder/CEO of LBD Legacy Consulting.
Charles Winfrey, executive director of the Floyd J. McCree Theatre and the 2nd District Genesee County commissioner, describes himself as a “survivor.”
His chapter of the book is titled “A Slice of My Life” and is about things Winfrey has endured.
“As a Black man in America, we go through a lot of trials and tribulations simply because of the color of our skin,” Winfrey said.
Winfrey encourages especially the younger Black men to read the book because “they may be able to glean something from the stories in it that help them in their journey to survive in this country…”
Patrick Julian said he is a “businessman.”
The name of Julian’s chapter is “Waking Up to Reality.”
In it, Julian talks about how he was raised by his aunt for most of his life, though he was always involved with his birth mother.
“As a man, you need a man in your life to guide you to become a good man,” Julian said. “But because I was raised by great women-my aunt and my sisters, who were my actual cousins, I can say that I turned out to be a great Black man.”
Julian is a serial entrepreneur and member of Flint’s Metro Chamber of Commerce. He works as property manager and is the owner of Future Mindset LLC, through which he teaches others to be self-sufficient.
Flint Native Kendre’ Berry is a TV and film actor and R & B recording artist, songwriter and producer. At a young age, he appeared on the Nickelodeon show, “All That,” and went on to co-star in a Nickelodeon movie and a TV show. He has also had recurring roles in numerous movies and TV shows including his roles as “Jabari” on the sitcom, “Girlfriends” and his roles on HBO’s “Six Feet Under” and on “On My Block.” He currently has TV shows and films on Netflix and ALBLK, andhe is a contributor to “The Heart of A Black Man.”
Berry, Courageous Men Magazine publisher, considers “The Heart of A Black Man” as more than a book. She said it’s also a brotherhood of strong men who now understand it’s OK to share their hearts.
The book is available on Amazon, at major retailers or through directly contacting the authors themselves.
