Ron McGraw

Recently I came across a website by Rick Strickland which he talks about his book entitled ‘The Marks Left Behind’. I am interested in reading this book for several reasons.

First of all, personally growing up in the Midwest as a white male I can empathize with the struggles that Rick Strickland describes. He talks about his own life and the hardships he faced growing up black and about the struggles he sees today which are common in the Black community. What appeals to me about Mr. Strickland’s book is that he offers his own hopeful and realistic strategy to help young Black men and women who believe they are locked in by the depressing conditions and the despair which are so prevalent in the Black neighborhoods today.

Secondly, he introduces Free Black Poetry to inspire the youth to communicate their inner feelings. He explains how to encourage these young folks to go to church, to participate in church and school activities and to promote their faith in Christ.  He talks about the importance of family discussions and mentoring programs for the youth to make them aware of the dangers in society like crime, sex, and drugs and ways to prevent them from falling into these vices.  Basically he suggests that if we all take responsibility to become active role models and get our local communities involved we can truly make a difference in these young peoples’ lives and help lift up our own communities.