This is a book of discovery, where an African American woman learns who her uncle really is. It is based upon an interview of Lt. David Anthony Taylor, I, which was conducted by the author, his niece. She describes a candid conversation where her uncle reflects upon his life as he saw it and in his own words. It highlights his journey from the ground to the sky, starting with his first job of clearing land, to his realizing his dream of becoming a pilot. It is an interview of enlightment, where the niece more fully understands how the uncle she has always admired is an American hero. She learns of his career accomplishments and his relationships with historical heroes and heroines, like Chappie James, James Meredith and Major General Marcelite Jordan Harris. Due to his modesty, his priority on his family life and his just living his way of life, many of her uncle's accomplishments and experiences are not known by much of his family. Although many consider him to be a hometown hero, he has never considered himself to be one. This book is an example of the importance of family and family values in the African American community. It demonstrates the love that Lt. Colonel Taylor has for his family and the admiration and respect that his niece has for her elder. It shows how an extended family of friends and co-workers support and encourage each other. This book is an all too familiar example of the history that is lost in the African American community, the stories not shared and thus, the inspirational opportunities lost. Through this book, the author demonstrates her commitment to share this history in hopes that it will serve as an inspiration for family members and communities to discover and tell their stories and document their contributions for posterity, to inspire current and future generations. In tribute to her uncle, this is a small contribution to the documentation of the never ending relevance and significance of African Americans in the annals of history.
About the Author: Marjorie Harris Young, a Bartow, Florida native, is the daughter of Alex and Nellie Harris. Her mother, Nellie Taylor Harris is Lt. Colonel David Taylor's sister. She is the President and CEO of F&M Young, Inc., a consulting firm. She is also the Retired Commissioner for the Georgia Merit System. In addition to her Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters and undergraduate degree in psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Mrs. Young holds two graduate degrees from Georgia State University in counseling and psychological services and in public administration. She is a widow with one daughter, Franka H. Young, and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.