FAMU graduate Steven Gallon III, Ed.D., has written his second book ---"When Morning Comes". Its a tale based upon the personal and professional experiences of Darryl Gilliam. A compelling, inspiring, and sometimes troubling account of Gilliam’s experiences as a principal of an inner city high school – Westside Senior High, and as a boy growing up in Freedom First, the story takes place in the heart of one of the nation’s most impoverished, socially fragmented, and potentially violent communities. For Gilliam and many young Black males growing up in Freedom First, life was more likely to get worse before it got better as many avoided spiraling into an existence that hovered somewhere above prison, at best, and death on the mean streets, at worst. Between it all, education--along with God’s grace and mercy--often proved to be the deciding factor. A riveting, reality-based discourse on the struggle, strength, and salvation of urban America.
When Morning Comes is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and book sellers everywhere.
Hey now! Take it to da house! Let's hear it for the 305! We know that this is all fictionalized truth about Gallon's days in Liberty City (oops! Freedom First) at Miami Northwestern (ooops! Westside). I hope he didn't forget to include his success as a great principal at Holmes Elementary in the same hood where the motto was "Educating with love and without compromise."
ReplyDeleteQuite cute. A must read.
I wonder if there's a similar reference in the book to a fictional HBCU in Tallahassee ...
You'll just have to buy the book to find out!
ReplyDeleteWow! Steve Gallon has written more books than Castell has read.
ReplyDeleteBrother Gallon has really stepped out there.
ReplyDeleteThis book is a must have
I read the first one and he keeps it real.
I didn't personally know this brother but I remember his days as a Miami Kappa (Miami people thought they ran ....) on the hill. Glad to see Dr. Gallon is doing his thing in the field of education. My props to you brother for putting it down and keeping it real the way you used to back in the day. I am going to give you a read! Keep striking!
ReplyDeleteDamn, Steve. You a doctor and writing books? Rattlers, never judge a "book" by its cover. I was one of the ones who never really though that you would make it. Shout out to your homeboys Straw, Kirk, and all of dem boys who still locked down and them folks done threw away the keys. I hope this book tells the world how you avoided a life in prison or dead on the streets. Keep your head up baby boy. One.
ReplyDeleteI like the cover of your book. It looks like you are praying, Steve. I am sure that you are now that you have become an author and all. I was one of your .... back in 88'. By the looks of things, God has brought you a mighty long way. I won't tell secrets on this blog and keep it and us anonymous. How much have you told in the book? I do remember that men like you cry in the dark--Lord knows back then you had a lot to cry about and beg forgiveness for. I hope that you are giving God the Glory for he is worthy to be praised. Your stuggle, His strength, your SALVATION. Let your light shine before men so that may see his works in you. Praise Him!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! It is always good to see a brother step out there and show the world that we can do more than rap, sing, and play sports. Gallon is reppin' this nation's greatest threat: a young, strong, educated black man.It appears that you have mastered knowing both worlds---school and the streets. Keep doing your thing, brother. I am buying the book.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you. I always admired your style and writing ability in our English classes on the hill (save Ms. Preu's Shakespeare class. Boring!). You have a tremendous gift and I hope that your two books is just a beginning to an awesome writing career. I look forward to reading When Morning Comes and learn more about your moments of struggle, strength and salvation.
ReplyDeleteBest to you,
Tracy Miller, Ph.D.
FAMU Class of 1990
You must read this book. Dr. Gallon, in the words of the first comment, "took it to da house". As an educator myself, I laughed, cried, was angered,became frustrated and deeply bothered by what I read. As Gallon writes in his opening---"the truth hearts, but it also heals". But When Morning Comes, Gallon provides moments for one to cheer the struggle, strength, and salvation of the inner-city and of his own life growing up on the streets of Freedom First (reminds me of hoods in the ATL). Don't sleep on this brother. You will regret you had when morning comes!
ReplyDeleteMonica Avery
FAMU Class of 1994
Atlanta, Georgia