This was a short, quick read in regards to as the title says, “Black-Americans of Achievement”. This is actually a series of small short books, and today’s book featured Martin Luther King Jr.
Of course, were all familiar with Martin Luther King Jr., and the great work that he did during the civil rights era starting from the late 1950s until his death in 1968. He was unique in the fact that he started and created a whole movement that was based on “nonviolence”. He faced insurmountable odds at times, but, through his persistence, leadership, vision and faith, he was able to overcome.
Now, the name Martin Luther King Jr. is known worldwide, especially here in the United States, where almost every major city, has a street named after him, and we even have a national holiday.
It’s hard to envision how the United States would’ve been, if Martin Luther King had not proved to be successful in leading the civil rights movement.
This book doesn’t really teach us much new about things we did not know about Martin Luther King Jr., but it’s always good this year good stories, and be reassured, that the man behind the movement, was genuine, peace loving, and really wanted what was best for the African-American people, and the United States of America.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
