I really enjoyed this autobiography of Chief Blackhawk book, as it’s all about the wonderful story about Blackhawk, and a lot of his experiences in dealing with the white American settlers.
Black Hawk was a Native American, a tough leader of the Sauk tribe who led his people in battles against the U.S., with the British in 1812, and other skirmishes. Starting with his birth, in 1767, up through his imprisonment in later years and eventual return to his people, this book details his life and views on America. He tries and fails to rectify the harm done by the signing over of the Sauk land, in 1804, under questionable auspices. Brett Barry’s performance of this autobiography is measured and deliberate just as Black Hawk’s own tone has resolve without anger when he cites the white man’s own religion and its principle of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
The book made good references in regards to some of the cultural nuances that were at play between the white settlers and the Native Americans.
Black Hawk could foresee the way things were changing, and we’re going to be for his people in the future, he made no bones about it, and was never victimized by it, but instead remain a proud Native American.
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
