Review by Sunflower_Mom -- Defining Moments of a Free Ma...

[Theresa Ammons Pinkston]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream" by Dr Frank L Douglas.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Dr. Douglas writes an inspiring autobiography telling of his journey from dirt-poor boy in British Guiana (now Guyana) to medical doctor, PhD, and the inventor of several medicines and treatment methods!

The book begins by depicting the struggles of a youngster dealing with childhood poverty. He realizes that although the obstacles are numerous, he alone determines his destiny. Frank Douglas worked hard both in school and at various jobs from a very young age!

He reveals the prejudicial treatment in schools - all the way up to earning a PhD. It's amazing to me that so much bigotry was/is hidden in the ways he and fellow Blacks were discriminated against! They got lower grades than their white counterparts and he and a few others were told each had to do a year or two of college classes over for outrageous reasons. Most whites are aware of beatings and fire hoses and bombs but I doubt many, if any, realize that school grades were (or still are?) based on skin color!

He's quick to describe how he was much more welcome in Germany and other European countries than in the USA. He decided to learn German and learned, not only to speak German, but also began thinking in the adopted language! I absolutely love that a young female patient called him, "the chocolate doctor"! But, I have to ask, is that also being "racist"?

I give Free Man from a Black Stream four out of 4 stars! I will definitely read it again. Dr. Frank Douglas has spent over 60 years making careful decisions in his actions when faced with homelessness, beatings, political intimidation, and overt racism. We should all recognize him as a human testament to having a successful career without giving up his principles!

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Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
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[Ndiviwe]

It's crazy how racial discrimination is still a major social problem. And I think it's going to be like this for quite some time. I admire the author for his ferocious determination to make something if himself despite is upbringing. I love to see black people win.

[Zelda Boshoff]

The first thing I have checked was the author's age when I have read the review. Times have changed, today I find racial incidents decreased, however, what I did pick up was that racial incidents are from the receiver and giver. That is such a sad thing in our society. This sounds like a very interesting read.