The kernel of the idea for Success Tips from Successful African Americans, Volume 1, sprang from a conversation I had with a friend who believed that success was virtually impossible for African Americans in particular and Blacks in general because of the racism he had encountered in his own life. In fact, by the time that conversation was over, tears were streaming down the face of my friend!

Though I could recount my own handful of challenging encounters, I was also aware that there had to be some instruments more powerful than racism to propel smart people of any race forward toward their goals.

The 40 contributors to Success Tips from Successful African Americans, Volume 1, including Architects, Broadcasters, Chancellors, Diplomats, Entrepreneurs, Financiers, Genealogists, and others, have answered the question: success is possible in spite of any real or imagined negative forces that may be arrayed against you.

In recounting their own stories, from their childhood backgrounds, through adolescent uncertainties, educational pathways, and corporate and entrepreneurial experiences, these forty men and women deliver concrete roadmaps that a new generation of young, ambitious African Americans, and indeed, anyone, can use to chart their own path forward to success.

1. Dr. Daryl Cumber Dance, Teacher, Folklorist, Literary Scholar, Genealogist -- "Telling Our Story"; Dr. Nicholas Brathwaite, Inventor, Engineer, Philanthropist -- "Competence & Character"; Tamla Turner, Speech Language Pathologist --"Following My Hearty"; K. David Boyer, CEO -- "Pride: The Double-Edged Sword"; Terri Freeman, Museum Curator -- "Institutions Last Significantly Longer"; Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., Diversity Consultant -- "Change is Possible"; Dr. Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander, Consultant, Professor -- "Practical Diversity"; Vada O'Hara Manager -- "The Three 'C' Principles"; Cornelia Shipley, Consultant -- "Be Clear about 'What' and 'How'; Dr. Gary S. May, University Chancellor -- "The Power of Persistence"; Paulette S. Irons, Judge -- "You Can Do It"; Kevin Wayne Johnson, Speaker, Pastor -- "A Changed Life"; Dr. Alicia McGeachy, Cultural Heritage Researcher -- "Take Stock of Myself"; Ambassador Delano Lewis, Lawyer, Professor, Businessman -- "Know Your 'End Game'"; Estella Neizer-Ashun, Nurse, Administrator -- "My 5 a.m. Prayer"; Ogbonna Hagins, Architect & Publisher, "Maximize Life"; Queen Mother Flake Fatal, Publisher, Philanthropist, Writer -- "God's Eye Perspective"; Dr. H. Leslie Adams, Composer -- "Focus on Broader Goals"; Dr. Ellen Grant, Deputy Mayor of Buffalo, NY -- "Servant Leadership"; Rejji P. Hayes, SVP, CFO -- "Competence, Work Ethic & Integrity"; Laura Hodges, Interior Designer -- "Each New Day, A New Opportunity"; Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh, Provost, "Universal Truths I Learned as a Child"; Dr. Lindsey Cameron, Researcher, Professor -- "Fiercely Dedicated to my Path"; Dr. Samuel Buxton, Toxicologist -- "Joy and Pleasure in Small and Regular Wins"; Frances White Hall, Entrepreneur -- "No Shortcuts to Success"; Dr. Aldrin Gomes, Neurobiologist, Physiologist -- "My Greatest Strength is my Optimism"; Dr. Austin Coley, Neuroscientist -- "The Kobe Bryant Mentality: 'The Best Shot, is the Next Shot'"; Brigadier-General Clara L. Adams-Ender, Nurse -- "Skills: Reading, Speaking, and Writing"; Dr. Solomon Mensah, Entrepreneur, Professor, Biomedical Engineer -- "Being the Best: Making It Impossible to be Ignored"; Dr. Darius B. Dawson, Researcher, Professor (Medical School) -- "Focus on Social Responsibilities and Services"; Kirk McDonald, CEO -- "Don't Use Someone Else's Ruler to Measure Your Success"; Dr. Christopher Boone, Vice President, Global Head -- "An Insatiable Hunger for Knowledge & Information"; Dr. Joseph A. Bailey, II, Orthopedist -- "Me/We"; Dr. Bill Guillory, President, CEO -- "100% Personal Responsibility"; Kristen L. Pope, Broadcaster, Entrepreneur -- "The World, Needs You"; Jeremy Cutts, Architect -- "I'm Built for Struggle"; Dr. William A. Lester, Jr. -- "Hold Fast to Dreams"; George Hofstetter, CEO, Programmer -- "Trust, Cultivation, & Inner Curiosity"; Dr. Ivory V. (Vance) Nelson, University President -- "Education Must Glory in the Privilege of Doubt"; Hon. Mary K. Bush, Financier, Government Representative -- "Giving It My All"