Ragadeeman

By Andrew J. Mayo

In January 1975, Rakim Haroldson is born in a Brooklyn hospital. He is seven and a half pounds of brown flesh, and his mother is eighteen and single. Together, Rakim and Gloria must learn to survive, despite an unfavorable economic climate and a chronic health condition.

When tiny Rakim is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, Gloria has no idea her world is about to be shattered. Rakim is diagnosed with asthma, and her parents, who have been there for her through every crisis to date, ask her to not only move out of their house, but also to consider giving up Rakim for adoption. As a young mother with no one to help her combat the challenges that loom in front of her, Gloria must confront her babys father and her parentsall while teaching her baby to fight for his own future. Gloria soon learns that life is no crystal staircase; she must create her own destiny.

RagadeeMan is the poignant story of an African American mothers journey to seek happiness, love and, above allthe truth for not only her son, but also herself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 10, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450248235

Andrew J. Mayo

Andrew Mayo was born on Long Island, New York, and was raised in Queens. He earned a bachelor of arts in literature from St. Francis College and a masters degree in English education at Columbia University. He currently resides in Westchester County, New York. This is his first book.

Book preview

Contents

Acknowledgments

Special Acknowledgments

To lifelong friends:

To the Prayer Warriors for the Book

Special Dedications

Final Bow

In Memory

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Just for You!

A J. Mayo

Acknowledgments

First, I would like to thank my mother, who sacrificed her college career so that my brother and I could have the support and guidance at home at a young age.

My first educators were men and women in the community of Springfield Gardens, in Queens, New York. To my beloved piano teacher, Ms. Hilmer, for teaching me the classics and how to hold a cup of tea, and who gave me hope in the midst of despair to not give up. To my third and fourth grade teacher, Ms. Mailer, who in the sixties during busing had all the children in class hold each other’s hands at P.S. 156 in Queens, New York.

Thanks to the many teachers in my life.

Special Acknowledgments

To Ms. Lamielle, principal of Springfield Gardens High in Queens, New York, who changed my class placement and gave me the realization of higher education.

To Dr. Steven Marino, of St. Francis College in Brooklyn, who challenged me to grow and expand my visions.

To Dr. Ruth Vinz, chair of English Education, and Professor John Brown, both at Teacher’s College, at Columbia University, New York, both of whom helped me validate my beliefs while strengthening my skills as an educator and writer.

To my many friends and supporters—you know who you are—thank you.

Thanks to my brother, Michael, who has been dear to me, my wife, and his niece, Monifa. Thanks for extending me so many loans to make this book happen. Thanks for being a dear and wonderful uncle to my child.

To Marty Mitchell, who believed in me and my book from the very start. Thank you.

To the faithful people in my life:

Brother Jamal for guiding me with care during the creation of the story. Also for caring about the production of the book from start to finish … may God bless you always, my brother.

And to Sister Deborah, for watching my child to give me time to write the first chapter, for being a reverent role model for the many children you care for, and for keeping the faith and putting God first in your life.

Very Special Thanks:

To RMA and Associates, and the children and families of Harlem they serve, for giving me a gift with each lesson I taught in the after-school program.

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Photo taken by Andrew J. Mayo

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Photo taken by Andrew J. Mayo

Views of Riverside Church in Morningside, New York City

Both church pictures before this dedication Riverside Church, New York City

To my faith family at Riverside Church in New York City

In sharing quality time and conversation with the education minister

Honorable Rev. Dr. Arnold Isidore Thomas

To my wife, Fay, thank you for being the first to claim me as the next great American writer. I will cherish you and your vision always. May life offer you all blessings. You are a beautiful person. Thanks for believing in me for twenty years. Much too often you give more than you get. My hope is that you will have peace and love always. I give you my most heartfelt gratitude and thanks.

Love Always and Forever.

Andrew

To lifelong friends:

Barry Jones and family, thank you for sharing so many memories in life.

Bill Mason and family, thank you for all the support and friendship and for being a mentor and role model for the community.

Eddie Caldwell, thank you for listening and having a big heart.

Phillip A. Punter and family, thank you for your kindness to your fellow human beings.

Rasheed, may all your dreams come true with God’s blessings, my friend.

Vincent Hendricks and family, thanks for fixing all