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Copyright © 2011 Eric Thomas
All rights reserved.
The author assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of facts and quotations as cited in this book.
Cover and Interior Design by Daryl S. Anderson Sr., Founder and
CEO of Spirit Reign Communications
Photographers:
Cover: Karl Phillips
Studio Photo: Nicholas Brezzell
Written by Eric Thomas
Michigan State University Founder of Advantage Retention
Initiative
PhD. Candidate Educational Administration
Senior Consultant of International Urban Educational Consultant
Senior Pastor Place of Change Ministries
www.etthehiphoppreacher.com
ISBN: 978-0-9746231-0-8
ERIC THOMAS
Acknowledgements
Special Thanks BTM and BTC family: Black, Tre, Byron and George Purnell, David Richardson, James, Eric Smith, Gilbert, Ian, Kelly, Rupert Thompson, Jamal, Mason West, Big Will, T. Black (Xist entertainment) Frank Dent, Sheldon Kay, The entire West End family, Rebecca Willis, Stonophia Burrows, Tracy Fitz, Trabee, Lydia Henderson, David Arrington, Derrick Williams, Tina Riley, Geraldine Malory.
Special Thanks to The Detroit Center Church (Glenda Moseley for all your love and support, Pastor Phillip Willis and Sister Willis for your tough love, sister Burse, Elder Craig and King. Bethel Lansing for giving me my first assignment and A.P.O.C. Ministries for letting me be myself and realizing that some birds aren’t meant to be caged.
Thanks for looking out: Shawn Crockwell (Bermuda Love), Patrick and Paul Graham, Marcus Flowers, Jeff Ross, Equa Epps, Gama(s) (Bernie, Bam Bam, Keaton, Al, Lonny, Shawn, Angelo & Byron Scott) and Maurice Gordon, Davion Fouche, the Graham crew (Camille, Dave, and Michele), and the Raw Dogs (Rodney Cooper, and Jeff Wilder).
OC West Wings for life: Mo from the N.O. (New Orleans), Jeff Harley (Atlantic City), Gerald Pennick (L.A.), Christian (Oklahoma), Henry and Curtis (Birmingham).
Educators: Henry Ford High Mrs. Nun
Oakwood Elder Shan the Man, Dr. Barnes, Dr. Janice Johnson, Dr. Evelyon Johnson, Coach Roddy, Dr. and sister Paul, Trevor Frazier, President and first lady Baker, Deborah Fryson
Michigan State University Rodney Patterson, Murray Edwards, Dr. Chris Dunbar, Dr. Bonita Curry, Dr. Lee June, Dr. Sonia Gunnings, Dr. Pero Dagbovie, Dr. Susan Printy and Dr. Nancy Coldflesh.
And sincere thanks to All my Haters. Your negativity and criticism continues to push me and challenge me to reach new levels of greatness.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to:
Vernessa and Jesse Thomas (mom & dad). Thanks for being courageous enough to be my parents and not my friends. I can see clearly now the rain is gone (meaning, I have children of my own... lol).
De De Moseley (the love of my life). Thanks for being the other piece of iron that sharpens me and for being the wind beneath my wings.
I will Love you always:
Jeneco and Malori (lil sisters)
Jalen and Jayda (my seeds)
Ladies of my life:
Grandma Gwen, Grandma Lama, Auntie Wanda, Auntie Cleo, Auntie Booby, Auntie Tawana for your continued support since diapers. Sister Lamb, Ma Trotter and Ma Bez (Sterline Foster)
Men of my life:
Unlce Bruce, Uncle Jimmy, Tim and Wayne Smith, Robert King, Leon Burnette, Pastor James Doggette, T. Marshall Kelly, Preston Turner, Rupert Cannonier, Clift Kyle, Renee Chandler, Steve, Pastor James Black, Elder Ward and E. E. Cleveland
Accountability Brothers:
LaDon Daniels, Lee Lamb, Lloyd Paul (S/O St. Marteen), Carlas Quinney, Burks Hollands, Shannon Austin, Greg Arneaud, Adrian Marsh, Derrick Green, Quest Green, Joey Kibble, Karl Phillips.
Oakwood legends who inspired me:
Dennis Ross III, Virtue (mad love for the Trotter sisters) and Shavon Floyd, Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale, Charles Arrington, Angelic Clay, Angela Brown, Brian McKnight, W.S.B. (Willing Succeeding and Black) DP (Owen Simmons), Voice of Triumph (Damien Chandler), Whitney Phips, Barry Black, Chris Willis, Take 6, Dajuan Starling, and Connect Four.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Contents
Foreword Dr. Lee N. June
Section I
The Struggle
1. Boiling Point
2. Sweet Little Lies
3. I’m a Survivor
Section II
The Solution
4. Change Starts With You
5. Where Do I Start
6. When I Move You Move
7. Go Where You’re Celebrated Not Tolerated
8. Momentum is Promiscuous: One day it’s with you, the next day
9. Enough is Enough
Section III
The Secret 2 My Success
10. A Different World
11. Put a Ring on It
12. What an Experience
13. Enter to Learn Depart to Serve
14. P.U.S.H (Push Until Something Happens)
15. White Sands and Blue Water
16. You Gotta Want It As Bad As You Wanna Breathe
17. Careful What You Wish For
18. If I Could Be Like Mike
19. Don’t Cry Over spilled Milk. Wipe it Up and Pour Yourself Another Glass
20. Miracle Territory
21. Homecoming
Epilogue: Eric Thomas
A Message From the Author
Publisher’s Page
Booking Eric Thomas
Bring Home The Motivation
Foreword
This is an excellent book, written by a person with a profoundly relevant message. The message is inspirational, motivational, and timely. It is inspirational because it is a message of resiliency, hope, and success. It is motivational because it leads the reader to see that success is possible; that one can overcome odds; and that what appear to be setbacks can be building blocks. It is timely because there is a need today, and in all ages, for a message of hope for all, but particularly for our youth and aspiring high school and college students.
I remember vividly meeting Mr. Thomas (Eric) when he first gave his presentation at Michigan State University. The presentation was well received and I said to myself- “This is a person with a message”. The message that day was one of honesty, hope, survival, resiliency and yes-motivational. So well received, he was invited back to campus numerous times. As I have come to know and respect Mr. Thomas over the years, I can now say that he is not just a motivational speaker, but someone with a life story that motivates. He walks the talk and practices what he “preaches”.
I recommend this book to all. While autobiographical and gripping in the story it tells, it is also filled with success and life tips. This is what I really like about the book. The tips are born out of life experiences and presented in a way that is appealing, gripping, and educational.
The book is a must read for those seeking inspiration and hope; for those looking for a tool to instill inspiration and hope; and for high school and college students who are aspiring for success in the midst of what seems like obstacles. It could also be used as part of a curriculum to teach much needed life skills and success principles.