The Last Man Up

By Navy Master Chief Jeff Hutchinson

Jeff D. Hutchinson wasn't always a master chief of the United States Navy. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, not the Atlanta that we all know today. He grew up in segregated Atlanta, where being Black was frowned upon. He didn't allow racism to paralyze the ambition that was deeply rooted inside of him. He was always the last choice, never the first. Yet, he overcame those challenges and obstacles that made it extremely difficult to be a black man in the deep south. His parents educated him on how to survive the dark days of segregation. The advice of his parents proved to be rewarding for him because he listened and became the last man up when he wasn't supposed to be a choice. In spite of all the dark things taking place during that time, he continued to work hard, do his best in everything that he did, and most importantly, he learned from his mistakes and the mistakes of others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781649528223

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Preface

Chapter 1: Becoming the Last Man Up

Chapter 2: Life with Aunt Katieand Uncle Jabo

Chapter 3: The Little Red Wagon

Chapter 4: Time to Go to Elementary School

Chapter 5: Goodbye, Uncle Jabo and Aunt Katie

Chapter 6: The Paper Route

Chapter 7: My Parents Dave and Magnolia

Chapter 8: The Knock at the Door

Chapter 9: Civil Rights Leaders

Chapter 10: Becoming Independent

Chapter 11: Becoming the Next in Charge

Chapter 12: High School

Chapter 13: I Just Want to Do My Job

Chapter 14: First Trip to the Hospital

Chapter 15: Issues with the Law

Chapter 16: Football and Summer School

Chapter 17: Senior Prom and Graduation

Chapter 18: Enlistment

CONCLUSION

About the Author

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The Last Man Up

Navy Master Chief Jeff Hutchinson

Copyright © 2022 Navy Master Chief Jeff Hutchinson

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2022

ISBN 978-1-64952-821-6 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64952-822-3 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Preface

May 2020

Each and every one of us face different challenges. The severity of those challenges depends on when you were born and where you grew up. Life isn't about what you experienced as a child or young person growing up; it's about making the best out of whatever situation you are in. I am a retired Navy Master Chief that came from humble beginnings. Even though I am retired, I am still serving with pride. My career in the Navy almost became a fantasy of mine like some black men like myself, but I overcame the odds. My negative experiences of growing up in the Deep South during segregation shaped and molded me into becoming a better person.

I have made a choice to share my life experiences of growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, when it wasn't the best place to live nor was it popular and becoming a US Navy seaman when there were very few black men in the Navy. Writing this book about my life and my experiences were not part of my agenda. My agenda included traveling, staying healthy, and enjoying the love of my life: my wife, Albertha; my daughter, Temeka; my son, Emmett; my daughter-in-law, Yadonnis; and my grandchildren Jada, McKencie, and Ethan. The agenda also included working for Morehouse College as I have been for the past thirty years. Personally witnessing and being a part of the growth and development of many positive men and women who have graduated from Spelman College, Morris Brown College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Georgia Tech becoming leaders and doing great things for our country is what motivates me and brings me satisfaction.

My wife, Albertha, as well as others dear to my heart, encouraged me for more than twenty-two years to tell my story. I extend much appreciation to Beverly R. Young for her assistance in the writing of this book.

This book describes what I endured through different stages of my life. I am a black man that overcame the odds that were against me, growing up in the Deep South where the segregation and Jim Crow laws held a tight rein on our country, thus creating this book The Last Man