Childhood to Manhood: Ingredients for Young African American Men

By Devin D. Brown D. Min.

Devin D. Brown is one of many African American men who grew up without guidance from a father. He had to learn from his own mistakes and his own losses. While experience has taught him well, he wrote this book to help families who want to prevent African American young men from making mistakes in the first place. In clear, candid language, he explores how to: • maintain a cultural connection with the black community even if you live in a white neighborhood; • encourage children to embrace Jesus Christ as a critical part of their life; • teach children right versus wrong; • recognize and fight systemic racism. The author also shares the lessons he learned about the three W's – wealth, work ethic, and women – through losing jobs and other failures. Knowing about these three things are vital to the survival of African American men.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jan 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781684717248

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Min.

Copyright © 2020 Devin D. Brown, D. Min.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

Interior Image Credit: Dan Hunter

ISBN: 978-1-6847-1725-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6847-1723-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6847-1724-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020900613

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 01/14/2020

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my beloved mother, Mendell Brown, who raised me to succeed and survive in any social environment.

Foreword

We live in a multicultural environment that makes life challenging for African American fathers and mothers. Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) reads, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

As Devin’s mother, it was imperative for me to instill Christ, discipline, good character, morals, and social skills in him from birth. These attributes have empowered him to become the loving, caring, and devoted man of God in whom I am well pleased.

As a mother, I encourage parents and guardians to begin training with open communication from the beginning of young lives. And through prayer, we will raise strong, loving, God-fearing young adults.

It is my prayer that this book will be used as a tool to enlighten, encourage, and empower everyone to continue this journey with prayer, faith, patience, and love through all life’s endeavors.

God Bless!

Mendell Brown

Devin D. Brown’s Mother

Acknowledgments

I would like to first and foremost thank Almighty God for bestowing me with the gift of writing and the willingness to tell my story. As my mother taught me, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

I want to acknowledge the sheroes of my life in the persons of my great-grandmother, grandmother, and my great-aunts. They have all gone to be with the Lord, but I thank God I had the opportunity to know them and learn what I could about life and Christ from them. Between their lessons and what my mother taught me, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

I also want to acknowledge and give honor to my caring and devoted wife, Felicia E. Brown.

Introduction

You have just received the exciting news that you are going to be the mother of a child. Not just any child, but a baby boy who happens to be of African descent. You plan a baby shower, invite family and friends, and look forward to a great time and a good pregnancy. During this phase of the child’s life, his color doesn’t matter—only the quality of his health and the start of a good life. Whether you are a single parent or are married, no one can understand the love for and excitement a mother has for her child, especially during the birthing process. The day comes for the birth of your son, and the pain and promise are both intense and