To Sweeten Alabama

Foreworded By Reg Weaver

The human spirit never ceases to amaze me.

Our history books are filled with stories about people who despite their circumstances managed to overcome incredible odds. Each of them liberated themselves from the worst enemies of mankind: ignorance, poverty, disease, illiteracy, self-doubt, addiction and hopelessness. All of us are beholden to their examples as we do our very best to find purpose and meaning in our own lives.

As an educator and advocate for public education for over thirty years, I have embraced one simple creed: there is no hurdle high enough that adversity can create that education and hard work cannot overcome.  

I will never forget, many years ago, as a high school student, I took a test at the Department of Employment Security in my home state of Illinois. I was looking for a job, and I went there in hopes of securing one. The person who interpreted the results of the test concluded that the only jobs for which I would ever qualify would be those that required the use of my hands.

This opinion, quite frankly devastated me. But I didn't let it stop me. I knew that my life could never be defined by one test or someone's opinion of my potential. So I worked even harder than before, and exceeded expectations. I graduated from high school and went on to college and graduate school.  

Today, I am the former president of the largest teacher's union in the country. I am here today because I learned that success has never been handed to anyone on a silver plate. Men and women who refused to give up have clawed out of adversity.

This is why I am so excited about this book. Although Anthony grew up poor and with an uncertain future, he held on to the principle that our beliefs about ourselves are what a rudder is to a ship: they control the direction and destiny of our lives. Anthony's story cuts deep into the heart and mind of a young man who decided that he would not be defined by circumstance, or by what others had expected of him. He chose to be defined by grit and an unwavering focus on his dreams.  

From the first day that he began his tenure as Chairman of the NEA Student Program, he was determined to be the best at his job and lay a solid foundation for those that would hold his position after him. Under his watch he helped our organization raise the level of awareness on the college affordability issue. Our student membership not only experienced an unprecedented increase during his tenure but we also saw an overwhelming number of students becoming active and engaged members. He developed and nurtured relationships with key Congressmen on Capitol Hill that allowed him the access to advocate on behalf of students across the nation.

But more important than all of his successes as a young professional, he is a man of great wisdom, character and integrity. I know for sure that he will continue to dedicate his life to the millions of students around the nation who are living with the unconfirmed hope that they will also have the opportunity to live their dreams.

This book offers a great example for how all of us can transcend the walls of adversity in life and see what is waiting for us on the other side. A