Publisher's Synopsis
The book is an in-depth memoir inspired by the insightful self-reflections of a young boy who emerged from the safety net of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, which before the building of Army Camp Shelby, was just another small southern town. Dr. Anderson's birth occurred on October 8, 1933 after the fall of the markets on Wall Street and the onset of what came to be known as the Great Depression of 1933. He was the youngest child, with an older sister - Stine, and a brother Robert, two years older than he, who acquired the nickname, 'L'il Bro', because he was the first boy born into the family, after Irma Lee, the youngest sister.
Dr. Anderson assiduously weaves the various events of his reflections in much the same way as interesting movie scripts are fashioned. His details about life in Hattiesburg with his dad are greatly contrasted to life in New Orleans where he resided with his Ma'ma, from the age of five. Prior to that time, Deacon Anderson instilled in him, at a very young age, the belief that any task worth starting is indeed one that should be totally completed, and as perfect as possible. Being a head deacon, Robert Anderson thoroughly succeeded in reinforcing this personality and work ethic trait into his young son.
Ma'ma's presence seemed to light up the whole house for everyone. She possessed a self-confidence in her demeanor, knowing that she had children who adored her, as well as the esprit de-core she experienced, knowing and doing her best work in whatever challenges or tasks she was confronted by. Dr. Anderson credits both his biological mother and father (Deacon Robert and Minnie), his stepmother (Ms. Maxie) and stepfather (Mr. J.D.) as well as his siblings and many others, too numerous to list by name, for his ambition and drive for excellence. He maintained honor roll status throughout his entire early education right through college, where he achieved high honors from Xavier University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in January 2018. After being drafted into the U.S. Army and being honorably discharged as a specialist in 'surface to air missiles defense' of the Washington DC and Maryland areas, he returned to Xavier University for additional credits in American Literature. After having taught in Gainesville, Georgia for two years, he enrolled into Teachers College, Columbia University where he excelled in his studies while working on his MA Degree and was invited as member of Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Anderson did not stop there, as he successfully completed his MA requirements; and in between teaching for Long Island public schools and higher education, he received three more degrees from T.C., Columbia University, beyond the MA - 'Prof. D', M.ED, and finally the Doctor of Education - Administration, specializing in the area of Individual/Group Efficacy.
In 'The Personal Reflection Of My Ever Evolving Life's Journey', Dr. Anderson leaves no stone unturned. He brings you into the churches where he and Mary Ellen have worshipped and into the auditoriums where he performs and produces various Broadway musicals. He brings you into his classrooms, where he displays extraordinary musical skills and processes, purposely designed in such a way as to enhance each pupil's individual educability potential for succeeding to the highest level in all their academic subjects of the school curriculum, as well.
