From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming [Hardcover]

Barry C. Black (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 2006

From the Hood to the Hill is Chaplain Black's story of overcoming unpromising beginnings in the ghettos of Baltimore. His travels through uncharted waters exemplify God's power for change. Read his story and discover how you, too, can move toward unprecedented satisfaction through a living faith in God.

"With Barry Black, you don't just hear a sermon, you see the sermon. That sermon is captured vividly in this story of his life. A life shaped by love, humility, confidence, courage, strength, and hope." - from the Foreword, THOMAS R. CARPER, US Senator

"Barry Black is a leader among leaders. Brilliant and articulate, yet humble and approachable, he is a force for integrity, goodness, and compassion on Capitol Hill . . . this narrative, From the Hood to the Hill, is a fascinating read." - DR. RICK WARREN, Best-Selling Author, The Purpose Driven Life, and Pastor, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA

"Chaplain Barry Black embodies the best of the American Spirit and the Christian tradition-a man of great erudition who has never forgotten his humble roots; a man of great faith who remains open to all the wisdom of all people; a man of great seriousness who knows how to laugh. The Senate and the country are grateful for his service." - BARRACK OBAMA, US Senator

"From a wonderfully unique man comes a powerfully unique story. Barry Black is a testimony to God's faithfulness and grace." - MAX LUCADO, Pastor, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio, TX

"This is an inspiring autobiography by an outstanding man of God, a great leader, a powerful preacher, and a true patriot . . . Barry Black is my cherished friend. I'm honored that he succeeded me as Chaplain of the United States Senate. From the Hood to the Hill is a stirring and power-packed book of the way God uses whom He chooses." - DR. LLOYD J. OGILVIE, Former US Senate Chaplain

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The story of a boy's rise from the ghetto to become the first African-American Chaplain of the United States, Black's autobiographical self-help thrums with sincerity and deep faith. Growing up in Baltimore with little except the love of a strong mother, Black was surrounded "by overwhelming poverty and discouragement and death-bound adults who were enslaved ... by alcohol and drugs." A college student when he joined the Civil Rights movement, he was inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to see pastors not as "dealers in gossamer hopes and dreams... but drum majors for justice, truth and righteousness." Deciding to become a minister himself, Black joins the U.S. Navy and eventually becomes Rear Admiral and Navy Chief of Chaplains, buoyed by his dedication to work and by "being a good steward of time." Committed to living and leading in a Godly manner, as well as to the art of inspiration-surprising people with love, diligence, optimism and moral courage-Black's narrative teaches and preaches as it takes readers through his career arc and into his day-to-day work, presenting the lessons he's gathered along the way. Though some lessons are less inspirational than others (engaging advice like "To mobilize people, challenge them" shares the page with "Think outside the box"), Black's work is full of thoughtful advice, presented with intelligence and conviction.
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 22, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785218815
• ISBN-13: 978-0785218814
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,017 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "From the Hood...":A Compelling Autobiography, April 9, 2007

By 

Ramona L. Hyman (Huntsville, AL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming (Hardcover)

"From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming" speaks volumes of the importance of mothers:Black preaches the gospel of matriarchal appreciation as he describes the strength and wisdom imparted to him by his mother and wife. He provides carefully written insight concerning the singular importance of God in the life of the human being who yearns for success. This is the best "self-help" book that I have read. It is a must read for students. Indeed, it is a wonderful example of African American autobiography. And just to think--his foreparents were enslaved Africans, and he prayed himself out of the ghetto. What a story; indeed, what a compelling story.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Graduation Gift for any American, January 1, 2007

By 

D Purple Lamb "D Purple Lamb" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming (Hardcover)

I just finish reading "From The Hood to the Hill" and felt like I was listening to Dr. Black. His book is written in the same style that he preaches and all I can say is I picked the book up at a book signing and in two days had finished it. I purchased copies for every person I could think of as a mentor in my own life for his story is full of giving those deserving their flowers. Dr. Black's book was one of pride for me because he shares stories that African American/Black whatever name we choose to use and Americans as a whole need to discuss. Many of the events in his life are mirrors to many of us, yet we don't have the floor to express. I gave my employer and co-workers one and it opened the door to many conversations that have been left unsaid. This book is a great gift giver also for youth who need a little boost..it was a long climb to the Hill but well worth the journey. It's a must for any reader's collection. This is not just a great African American story but a great American Story.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!, May 31, 2007

By 

Ralston Dilbert - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming (Hardcover)

I bought this book a week or so back and have been reading it with my 7 & 8 year old daughters. I'm inspiried, motivated and learning to "expect the unexpected" from the God that has no bias. What I'm so impressed with, is how it inspires my daughters as well, who always "expect to be blessed in a very special way by God". Although the book uses highly educated vernacular-the kids are still blessed by it...and so am I.

Thanks Dr. Black and Shalom.