Forgotten Lost and Hidden America 2 Sequel
Street Life
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Blake has been out of prison 10 months now, and it was spring, throughout these 10 months he maintain his beliefs in Islam even though he hasn't legally change his name or got married yet he still consider himself Muslim, his character was totally different from before when he lived a street life, now he carried himself with pride and dignity, besides wearing work clothes for work he had a conservative wardrobe, nothing flashy or flamboyant, the clothes he wore gave him the appearance of a minister, his thinking was that of a sociologist and historian, he no longer had that sinister expression on face as before, now their was a friendlier and inviting expression, he stood 6'1' weigh 190 LB appear to be in good health, he was always willing to engage in conversation or dialogue with brothers and sisters like he was about street life and the changing times with all the new people, many of these people were out in the streets living like he was at one time- like a predator, preying on any weak person to support his drug habit that got totally out of control. Often he would ride around in his car observing the environment, going to areas he once hung at now either occupied by other people- mostly foreigners, in most of these environment there was a physical change or new building constructed with a construction sites full of foreigner workers- appear to be Mexican, old hangout spot, and beach areas now occupied by a new people- Hispanic, Washington st was a regular hangout spot in the street life back in the day with some black own businesses, but now the street was full of businesses own by people of different back grounds including foreigners, but now not one black business on this street, this was the situation pretty much throughout the town, the only businesses black businesses own around town were one or two barber shops and hair salons, it was obvious it was changing times and something was going on in the community, but what ever it was so called Black people- African Americans wasn't included, this appear to be the situation in most urban communities around the United States these days- not included!
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About the Book
Synopsis Forgotten Lost and Hidden America 2: Sequel is a continuation of the social issues growing up through the seventies and following years to come. The main character, Blake, after serving some time in prison—back in his old community, he witnessed a negative transformation in the community—the environment has improved, but many of the people weren’t the same due to drug addictions, alcohol abuse, unemployment, and immigration. This story raises several issues to bring about some awareness as the author sees it. After some reviews of the first book, the author believes that he needs to explain the two main characters in the story, Sputnik and Blake. The name Sputnik is actually a nickname of the author, but he didn’t use the name because it was his nickname. He used the name because of what it represents, the name derived from the Russians, Soviet Union, back in 1957. They sent up in orbit the first successful satellite and called it Sputnik. What does a satellite do? It sends signals to your television, radio, phone, and computer, and it communicates information. In the story, what does Sputnik do? He’s a mentor; he communicates information about the street life to Blake. Who’s Blake? Blake is a typical Black youth (Blake, black), which also has some personal attributes of the author’s life. These characters were befitting of the story the author wanted to present. Some of the story is fabricated, but most of it is true. Some of the characters are fabricated but realistic. Through these characters, the author intended to capture some of the things he witnessed and heard about as a youth. People he looked up to growing up in the community, including his brother, he didn’t know enough about their life story, so he put bits and piece of their attributes in the character of Sputnik and Blake to tell this story. Therefore, to those who might misunderstand the author’s intention, I hope now you have a better understanding. In spite of some issues mentioned about American and Foreign Muslim communities, there are many sincere, practicing, dedicated, good Muslim brothers and sisters of all races. I’m just pointing out what I experienced and spoke to other African American brothers about, who acknowledge a similar experience in these communities, and there are as many good Hispanic and Caucasian people, but it doesn’t seem like they are the ones running and controlling things.
About the Author
James Davis III, the youngest of three, one brother and one sister, was born in Norwalk, Connecticut. He grew up in a project named Roodner Court, the worst project in Norwalk at that time. Through his brother, sister, and relatives, he became exposed to the street life in the neighborhood: hanging out, going to the local dances, and smoking cigarettes. It was a time of African awareness—being black and proud. The times were hard, and there were limited opportunities, especially if you didn’t have any skills. Some teenagers and young adults had promising futures in sports (basketball and football), some went to college, some were into entertainment (singing, hustling drugs, stealing), and some were into pimping. Due to hard times and the street life, his brother became a pimp. He learned a lot being around his brother, but he was left to other crimes and was convicted twice. He spent a total of seven and a half years in the state prison. He feels and believes his second conviction was a blessing in disguise because during this time, he received his diploma, converted to the faith of Al Islam, quit smoking, and the habits he once had, he doesn’t have anymore. Also being locked up and around guys from all over the state, mainly Muslim, gave him a totally new positive outlook on life and a better understanding about God and society.