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One of the First: Lessons I Learned While Overcoming the Challenges of Integration
Ralph Stokes has spent most of his life loving his enemies. His method has always been to overcome prejudice with personal, professional, and moral excellence, taking a loving but determined stance toward anyone who mistreated him due to the color of his skin.
Over the years, Ralph’s story has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, USAToday.com, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Golf Digest, ESPN Radio, AL.com , and many other media outlets.
Let Ralph’s story inspire you today!
Over the years, Ralph’s story has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, USAToday.com, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Golf Digest, ESPN Radio, AL.com , and many other media outlets.
Let Ralph’s story inspire you today!
230 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2021
5 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 1, 2021
When I saw Ralph Stokes’ name on the cover of this book, it piqued my interest. As a young man, I followed his football career with great interest, but I was unaware of the impact he has made on the world, post-athletics. This is a well-written and insightful story of struggles with racism in our country, a subject many of us do not fully understand. The author describes many of the challenges he faced while dealing with integration throughout his career as an athlete and into his business and social life. His story is inspiring and provides a realistic view of how much difference one person can make in the world around him.
I feel One Of The First shines a light on a subject that continues to darken our society. Ralph Stokes’ effective method of dealing with challenges and his approach to leadership will serve those in sports, business, and all walks of life equally well. Get a copy of this book, read it well, and pass what you learn on to others. It is a blessing to read and to share.
I feel One Of The First shines a light on a subject that continues to darken our society. Ralph Stokes’ effective method of dealing with challenges and his approach to leadership will serve those in sports, business, and all walks of life equally well. Get a copy of this book, read it well, and pass what you learn on to others. It is a blessing to read and to share.
October 3, 2021
Right on!
This book is captivating. Ralph's life teaches us a better way to get along with others...The book captures his experiences from his perspective and captures the reader's attention from the very first word. Black readers might be challenged by his easy going, non-confrontational approach but it works. White people will examine all the things they ever heard or thought of black people. In the end, people will learn new behaviors.
This book is captivating. Ralph's life teaches us a better way to get along with others...The book captures his experiences from his perspective and captures the reader's attention from the very first word. Black readers might be challenged by his easy going, non-confrontational approach but it works. White people will examine all the things they ever heard or thought of black people. In the end, people will learn new behaviors.
November 8, 2021
An insight into integration in the South. It’s not a super read but it shows grit and perseverance and an alternate way of looking at prejudices, inequality, and ways to handle it with poise and come out on top.
February 12, 2025
Legend. Lucky to know Mr. Stokes. Everything he preaches in his book is exactly how he is in person. Phenomenal man, and a phenomenal story.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews