Overcoming

I was born on March 15, 1951, in Potts Camp, Mississippi, but my journey began more than 2,000 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, Minnesota

"In 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, Minnesota

"A 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