But this is not only the story of a man's public life and assumption of responsibilities. It also a story of Willie Lowther's personal religious faith and of his dedication to family.

Evocative of the struggles of a generation to whom the African-American communityowes so much, gripping in their portrait of determination to succeed, delightful in their depiction of a deeply-lived personal life, the various segments of this well-crafted memoir will reflect the depth and richness of this multitalented man.

Hastie Lowther has written a warm and insightful account of her husband's long and productive life. Herself from North Carolina, she readily understood the accomplishments of this man with whom she shared almost a half century of married life. In this memoir, she has sought to record his life for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.

A few years before his death, the couple sat down to tape his stories. Subsequently, Mrs. Lowther added an historical and sociological dimension to make Willie E. Lowther / The Journey of My Life / from Locust Grove to Harlem a story that will enrich our understanding and appreciation of the contributions of an earlier generation.