I admit to being 15 years late to Robert Woodson's book, but not to Robert Woodson. As a devoted admirer and student of the late Jack Kemp, I heard Mr. Woodson's name several times over the years and I was aware of his work in communities and neighborhoods. I recently decided, in the midst of another project related to Jack Kemp, to get a copy of The Triumphs of Joseph.
I read this book in four reading sessions, from cover to cover. Again, I admit to being late to the party with this book, but perhaps a fresh, relevant review will inspire some new readers to find a copy and take action in their own communities and neighborhoods.
This book is not a list of Robert Woodson's accomplishments. It is not a brag sheet. Far from it. Woodson analyzes, evaluates and observes the current state of the civil rights movement (current as of 1998) and the seemingly unending cycle of poverty in America. He looks back at the history of the movement to supposedly make people free and independent, a movement which has scored uncounted amounts of taxpayer money, while leaving very little evidence of success.
Among the great terms Woodson used to to identify those more interested in personal power than in helping others find their way were "Guardians of Grievance" and "poverty industry." After Woodson's introduction and brief history of the poverty industry and the so-called civil rights movement, he takes the reader through the stories of some people who really are making a difference right where they live.
A few of the stories begin with some deplorable circumstances: one woman digging through a dumpster looking for food for her and her children; a man going into a filthy gas station bathroom to get high, with his infant daughter there sitting on the floor; a young man in and out of trouble, back in jail when he gets turned around and finds help from a probation officer who himself had a lost a son to senseless violence.
These people ultimately got it right. It wasn't always easy. But, every one of these people is a testament to the power of this country for people to help turn around the lives others, all without having to rely on the system, the government, to provide all the answers.
Yes, it's 15 years after its publication, but The Triumphs of Joseph is a short read and it should be used again as a conversation starter around this country for people interested in civic revival and renewing the American community. This is not a book full of stats. This is a book full of compelling evidence and real-life stories. William Schambra also offers up an epilogue of sorts at the end of the book, a very nice touch.
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