KAPPA AUTHORS
KAPPA AUTHORS: BOOK REVIEW
Goodbye Arkadelphia! Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
A Cry Among Men: The Novel by C. Erskine Brown
By Dwayne M. Murray, Esq.,31 st Grand Polemarch
O n January 5, 2018, I learned 27 th Grand Polemarch Robert L. Harris, Esq., published a book about his life. Without knowing the title or what he was willing to share with the world, I quickly asked the author to share a copy of his book and if he would allow, I would review it for The Kappa Alpha Psi Journal. A few days later, a personal auto- graphed copy arrived at my home in pristine condition. Excited, I began to read. Goodbye, Arkadelphia! Turning Obstacles into Opportunities is a riveting story of Harris’ exciting and inspirational journey from the cotton fields of rural Arkadelphia, Arkansas to an executive suite in a Fortune 500 Company in San Francisco. As an attorney for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), he became the first—and still the only Black attorney in the nation to argue (and win) a cor- porate First Amendment case in the U. S. Supreme Court. In so doing, he became the first lawyer in the nation to convince the Su- preme Court that a corporation has negative First Amendment rights—a landmark case. Several distinguished persons, from across the nation have en- dorsed Brother Harris’ book. Ac- cording to former Oakland Mayor Elihu M. Harris, who is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi ® and a former California State Legisla- tor, Goodbye, Arkadelphia! is a powerful reminder that humble beginnings do not define levels of achievement. Robert Harris’ nu- merous accomplishments locally, statewide, and on the national
stage have set a high standard for any- one who works in corporate America but refuses to look beyond corporate boundaries. His story is an example of what it means to be a ‘social engineer’ while residing in a corporate Execu- tive suite. This book is a must-read for those who don’t understand this cru- cial fact.” In his book, Harris brings to life many exciting episodes that could have de- railed his career, but by exhibiting grace under pressure he was often able to turn obstacles into opportunities. Ac- cording to Dennis A. Archer, a former Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and a former Mayor of Detroit, “Harris’ book is an incredible journey through the thrones of leadership and intrigues of corporate politics… (and) provides a unique glimpse into the art of winning against the odds.” Goodbye, Arkadelphia! illustrates, to be sure, that professional achievements can be tools for civic and civil rights in- volvement. Willie L. Brown, Jr., the former Speaker of the California State Assembly (and former Mayor of San Francisco), has high praise for Good- bye, Arkadelphia! pointing out that “From leading the Charles Houston Bar Association to becoming the first Na- tional Bar Association president from California, Bob Harris has been stead- fast in his commitment to his commu- nity. Bob’s Career as a corporate execu- tive at Pacific Gas and Electric, while fighting civil rights issues, is legendary. As a matter of fact, the Oakland Tri- bune once published an article on him entitled: ‘PG&E Lawyer Moonlights for Civil Rights.’ Like this book, that article provides insight into Bob’s insatiable appetite for fighting for equality.” U. S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who was the only member of Congress
A s a child growing up in now, reading and writing have become his passions. In fact, Brown, who uses the pen name C. Erskine Brown, sees good fiction as well-crafted word art peppered with truth and fantasy. His debut novel, “A Cry Among Men,” is adapted from his highly controversial screenplay which was a Final Draft, Big Break Screenwriting Contest semifinal- ist. Brown says the best thing about being a writer is “I can be whomever I want to be.” His advice to aspiring young writers? “Write every day until you have developed the habit of being obsessed to write.” A Cry Among Men begins on a Friday night in April 2015. The protagonist, Don Wilcox is a respected mergers and acquisitions investment banker who is envied for his repeated successful deal- making. “No one lugged around the bucket of jealousy, contempt, and hate towards Don like Scott Bradley - Jacobs, Baxter & Felton’s self-appointed golden boy. So to wield his power, after a night of self-indulgence, the soul of the devil awakened; and Scott Bradley did the unthinkable to destroy Don. Friday, April 3, 2015 marks the night of the most horrific act of hate and racism of our time; and the start of the most hell- ish fight of Don Wilcox’s life.” A Cry Among Men is available on Amazon.com in paperback (ISBN: 1530565383) and Kindle editions. Norfolk, Virginia, Charles E. Brown (Alpha Phi 1976) had little interest in reading. But
Robert L. Harris, Esq.
to opposed giving President George Bush the authority to invade Afghani- stan, observed that “Goodbye, Arka- delphia! reminds me of my early days in Amarillo, Texas, where discrimination was rampant. Having worked with Bob Harris on many issues, I feel the passion of his energy and endless commitment to advancing the political aspirations of African American People. I constantly observe Bob’s devotion, not only to the political process, but to making our na- tion a better place. As my Campaign Finance Chair, Bob has worked tireless- ly to assure that adequate resources are available for me to aggressively repre- sent my district. Bob’s book gives great insight into his tenacious drive to serve others.” Finally, Brother Harris’ story is about never giving up on the pursuit of your goals. It is a story about his fight against the odds and a willingness to serve others as an exemplar of “servant leadership.” Although challenged during this journey, the chapters of this wonderful story is a timeline of note- worthy occurrences that reveal them- selves during his life. I believe you will enjoy reading this wonderful story.
92 | THE JOURNAL WINTER ISSUE
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
THE JOURNAL WINTER ISSUE | 93
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