 September/October 2002
The Pact
by Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt, with Lisa Frazier Page
In the last several years I've read numerous and various books on remedies for the black community, the black male and what should be done for a greater understanding. Under the same auspices there have been race related analogies instilling in us the need to be accountable for meaningful intent to change our lives, related works reminding us that the battle is not over as of yet, and what it would take for equal parity as the struggle continue to be heard and recognized.
I recently read a book that brought tears to my eyes and allowed me to have hope and congratulate three young men who dared to make a change in realizing a dream come true. All my life I've been cautioned about the perils of peer pressure, and the folly of placing too much emphasis on misguided friendship. In isolated cases there may have been situations where caution has been tossed to the wind and worst fears have been realized because one probably wanted to live the stereotypical notions given by others not of the same culture. But rarely do we witness male bonding used to an extent where three entities converge for the betterment of a greater whole. The Pact, told from hearts and minds of three boys out to succeed against a backdrop where others before them failed miserably, gives hope that our families and communities can reap what is sowed. George Jenkins, Sampson Davis, and Rameck Hunt has a story to tell, and what a story!
All three grew up in an impoverished environment of broken dreams and unfulfilled promises. The old adage of there being strength in numbers prove to be an advantage as the three of them made a promise to each other: That they would stick together no matter what, go to college and become doctors. It wasn't until later that the notion to take it further came to fruition…and that is to empower the community with their own non-profit foundation. Now over 14 years later, after overcoming personal setbacks and other obstacles, they proudly bear the merit of having 'Doctor' in front of their names. This is the story of inspiration and vision where compassion has a chance to touch the inner city to dispel angst and glorify empowerment.
The book is narrated alternatively with each giving analogies to specific points of contention as they depict their lives leading up to the decisions made. It all started when Jenkins learned about a special medical program for minority students. After a trying time of convincing his two friends to comply, they vowed to do what it would take to help get the others through, but not before Davis and Hunt have had their various run ins with the law.
The book is well written in an easy flow manner in which it introduces each one's autobiographical beginnings culminating with specific advice and personal renderings on such topics as peer pressure, giving back, and perseverance. Ironically, all of the above are the main ingredients that give this offering the emphasis the authors need to illustrate the value of making goals, sticking to them, and paving the way for others. But a lot of credit must be given to Lisa Frazier Page for her part in keeping these young men focused and on the same page.
The format used and how they pulled it together, is a testimony to the finished product. I couldn't help but to look at it as a triad of principles commencing with finding self first, using the newfound lease on life to strengthen family, and ultimately bringing back to the community a model of perfection. This is a constant theme throughout, along with giving you the reason to believe in the power of friendship…a power greater than any one of them could have individually.
Listen to the culminating point that is made in accessing their work:
| “Working together on this project, going over our years together we feel great pride. After writing this book, we see more clearly than ever that we needed one another to achieve our dreams. We’ve come a long way from the streets of Newark in some ways, but not far at all in others. Our hearts are still with the families and friends who didn’t have the opportunities, the friendships, or maybe even the crazy dreams that were somehow given to us – those who are still struggling everyday just to survive. They are the reason we wrote this book” |
This is a MUST read, a book expressive in showing that there's a way to rise above meager means as long as there's a purpose and the wherewithal to succeed. This is also the story about the potential in all of us to empower and provide those young black teenagers and young adults out there that there's a method to the madness if they position themselves to really want it. Fathers may want to buy this book for their sons, or mothers will read it as yet another way to reach a wayward son, but if you're of the mindset that whoever reads it for the good that it espouses then I'd expect you to pass it on!
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