The Roaring 30s: Life & Times of Ethan Brisby

By Ethan Brisby

In "The Roaring 30s," Ethan Brisby takes readers on an extraordinary and introspective voyage through the pivotal decade of his life. This compelling memoir dives deep into the experiences of an African American man as he navigates the realms of politics, parenthood, education, and personal transformation. Through his raw and honest storytelling, Brisby unveils the triumphs and trials that shaped his journey, illuminating the resilience and self-discovery that arise from overcoming adversity. With profound insights on societal challenges, cultural exploration, and the generational shift of the SHIFT generation, this empowering memoir serves as a timeless source of inspiration and life lessons for readers seeking personal growth and empowerment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SHIFT Books
• Release date: Jun 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9780988473126

Book preview

The Roaring 30s

Life & Times of Ethan Brisby

Ethan Brisby

Published by SHIFT Books, 2023.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

THE ROARING 30S

First edition. June 29, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Ethan Brisby.

ISBN: 978-0988473126

Written by Ethan Brisby.

This book is dedicated to the village that raised me, and the good Samaritans along the way. I am grateful for every single person I have ever met. There would be no Roaring 30s without you. -EBThis book is dedicated to the village that raised me, and the good Samaritans along the way. I am grateful for every single person I have ever met. There would be no Roaring 30s without you. -EB

The Roaring 30s

Life & Times of Ethan Brisby Volume II

First Edition

AS TOLD BY ETHAN BRISBY

SHIFT BOOKS

Copyright © 2023 Ethan Brisby

ISBN: 978-0-9884731-2-6

All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this book are solely those of the author, Ethan Brisby. The facts presented in this book are based on true events that have been verified to the extent possible. Some of the names and identifying details of individuals mentioned in this book have been changed to protect their identities. The publisher, SHIFT Books, does not endorse or take responsibility for any views or opinions expressed by the author. The publisher also disclaims any liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented in this book.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles.

For permissions, sales, and distribution please contact:

SHIFT Enterprise Academy

210 W WJB Bryan Parkway #2102

Bryan, Texas 77803

[e-mail]

This book is dedicated to the village that raised me, and the good Samaritans along the way. I am grateful for every single person I have ever met. There would be no Roaring 30s without you. -EB

Contents

Introduction

PART I: STROPHE

CHAPTER I: Recalling my 20s

CHAPTER II: The Beginning of an Era

CHAPTER III: Charting A Purposeful Course

CHAPTER IV: Start Again It’s Time to Rebuild

CHAPTER V: My Way My Nineveh

Part II: ANTISTROPHE

CHAPTER VI: A New Path Emerges

CHAPTER VII: Taking Care of your Star Player

CHAPTER VII: The Antagonist of my 30s

Part III: EPODE

CHAPTER X: I was Born into the Faith Walk

CHAPTER XI: When Clarity Leads to Clearance

CHAPTER XII: Better Late Than Never

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Preface

In ancient Greece, an ode was a poetic composition that followed a distinct three-phase structure, each with its own narrative significance. The journey began with the Strophe, which propelled the thematic actions towards a specific destination. The Antistrophe, on the other hand, led the protagonist to confront unforeseen trials and challenges. Finally, the Epode brought the divergent paths together to reveal some profound meaning related to author's intent.

Inspired by this poetic tradition, The Roaring 30s embarks on a similar odyssey. This modern ode guides readers through the unpredictable twists and turns of life. The result is a powerful narrative that imparts valuable insights and profound understanding.

Similarly, consider the decade in American history known as The Roaring 20s. It was an era where the economy was booming just after World War I. As we like to say, it was the best of times. People were enjoying their food and boos, the generation of Americans known as The Greatest Generation was taking form.

Everything was excessive and boundless, until it was not. In the latter part of the 1920s, the stock market crashed, causing the American economy to go into flux. The years that followed deep into the 1930s, came with turmoil, hardship, and deep uncertainty about what would be next for America. It was the worst of times.

When I think about my life from the age 30-39, I call this time The Roaring 30s. It was the best of times, I purchased my dream car, I graduated from two of the best institutes of higher education in the world, I was coaching my son’s youth sports teams, I even purchased my first home. However, life, in all its objectivity would not let that be the only side of the story.

It was indeed the worst of times as well. The bank repossessed, the 3-Series BMW after I fell on tough times, I was constantly dodging the police for failure to pay my state mandated child support payments, and I found myself leaning in on alcohol and marijuana to cope with my short-term bouts with anxiety and depression. It was, indeed, the worst of times.

I wrote this nonfiction literature with an independent thinker in mind. Even the person who wants to think freely but finds him or herself staying inside their assigned societal box. We all reach different crossroads on the path towards our own idea of success.

Classmates, friends, and peers from every corner of the globe are facing or have faced their version of The Roaring 30s. My wish is to share my insights, stories, and lessons in a way that someone can be inspired to carry their vision forward. Through raw and honest storytelling, I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery, providing valuable insights and actionable advice along the was

Introduction

As I reflect upon reaching the milestone of 40 years of life, I cannot help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the incredible journey I experienced. At this age, I have achieved a level of independence that allows me the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. My son is blossoming into a responsible young adult, learning new skills, and managing his own affairs. I have also been able to assist my mother with her retirement plan, which will allow her to do what she loves while providing a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Moreover, I am in love with my work and my mission. I operate an upskilling ministry for startups in East Africa known as SHIFT Enterprise Academy. I consult with ambitious minds and influential people through not only the SHIFT ministry, but through my vocational work with Brisby Development Services in business and real estate development. Each of these roles give me joy knowing my ideas and thoughts are falling onto fertile ground and are impacting a larger number of people than I could have reached acting on my own. These accomplishments, along with flourishing relationships within my sphere of influence, fill me with a deep sense of pleasure.

Furthermore, I have not only written and published multiple books recounting my own life experiences, but I have also functioned as a ghost writer collaborating with peers and publishing their stories within the chronicles of history. I even fulfilled a childhood dream of hosting my own radio show for three years just before returning to college in 2007. The show was called, Word on the Street just like Martin Lawrence’s show most American millennials grew up enjoying.

When I look back at the dreams and goals, I set for myself at an early age, I am amazed to realize that I have accomplished everything I aspired to do by the age of forty. This is not a boast, but rather a humble acknowledgement of the discipline and hard work that went into achieving these milestones by the grace of God. Those who have accomplished noteworthy feats in life understand that true achievement comes at a price, requiring dedication, perseverance, and obedience to a mission.

I remember my early days playing baseball, where I learned valuable lessons that would shape my mindset for years to come. In baseball, you can strike out three times in a game, but if you remain determined and focused, the fourth time at bat could be the one to get a hit and win the game for your team. Similarly, you could drop two fly balls in the outfield, but by staying positive, alert, and in the right position, you could still make a game-winning catch. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience and being prepared, even when things have not gone my way.

Many of my teammates on the successful baseball teams I played for embraced this mindset in life as well. As a youth and teenager playing baseball, I was fortunate to always be part of winning teams. I was also consistently among the 12 people selected to play on the all-star and travel team for my league. Though three decades have passed since our earliest playing days, I am filled with fond memories of the camaraderie I shared with my teammates.

I was the only African American male on these teams from the age of 6-16. There may have been a time or two when I had another black teammate, but being different was a deep part of my development. At the time, I did not understand I was different, because my baseball team and the parents of the players were my extended family. We were a group of high-character individuals, bound by a common love for the game and an unwavering commitment to winning. The principles of baseball I learned during my youth helped me navigate the challenges and curveballs life threw at me during my ‘Roaring 30s.’

I thank God my uncles, Patrick and Bobby introduced and influenced me to take the game of baseball serious. The times we practiced; they were hard on me with lofty expectations. It was always about winning, not just the moment of jubilation, but the work required to reach that end. Their collective inspiration to love the game and its life lessons is forever an indelible part of my personality and outlook on what is possible despite temporary setbacks.

Another element of my earliest memories that helped shape my perspective about being different, set apart, and understanding people is my time spent at Johnson Elementary. I was bused to this school, quite a distance from my inner-city community. I vividly remember those elementary school days, from 3rd to 5th grade. At Johnson, I found myself as the only Black male in my entire grade level. Among four classrooms, each with 15 students, who made up a grade level of 60 children, there was only one Black male, and he was me.

The fact that my skin tone was vastly different from everyone else in my grade aside from my four Black female classmates did not matter to me. Back at my modest home in the inner city, my mother set a standard, the expectation was excellence. She always made me go beyond memorization for any school test. I had to read my science work an additional hour, practice writing my vocabulary words double the assigned three times each. I had to ensure I not only could get the math question right, but I understood how I got there.

This earned me a place in the Gifted and Talented class at school. So then, from an early age, it was ingrained in my mind that no matter how different I am, where I came from, or who says what about me, like the girl in the 3rd grade that told me Black people have more germs than white people, I knew I could excel. This is the foundation of my way of thinking, an accumulation of experiences that unconsciously guide and shape my understanding of different races, cultures, and possibilities.

Another key element of this point is my interactions with the parents of my teammates and classmates. I gained profound insights and empathy for their actions and perspectives. Spending time in their homes, staying for sleepovers, and being catered for when my mother had to work late allowed me to experience an uncommon kindness and generosity. Despite what history and television told me about race relations, I did not know I was ‘supposed’ to code switch, and speak a different vernacular of English than what I spoke at home. These people were drawn to me just as I was. This reaffirmed the power of my authentic self.

These experiences opened my eyes to the fact that people's backgrounds and beliefs can be influenced by their upbringing and exposure. Experiencing beautiful brick homes, in gated communities, exposed me to a life I had not known growing up just off Martin Luther King Street. This exposure set a fire inside of me that created an insatiable pull factor towards greater,