Table of Contents
Introduction xiii
Chapter 1 Beginning My Life as a Single Mom 1
Chapter 2 I Can No Longer Do This Alone 21
Chapter 3 Between Men 57
Lesson 1 There are some things a son will not tell his mother. 58
Lesson 2 The right playing field is key to identifying natural abilities. 62
Lesson 3 Among men, no excuses are allowed. 69
Lesson 4 Greatness comes from the heart. 73
Chapter 4 The Secret Life of Max Zolo 79
Lesson 5 There will always be bullies. 80
Lesson 6 Porn and respect for women-it's complicated. 90
Chapter 5 Warrior Rising 113
Lesson 7 Only you can define who you are. 114
Lesson 8 Social cues are critical. 123
Lesson 9 Young men need heroes-the right ones. 130
Lesson 10 Keep your head up, your nose clean, and your eyes on the prize. 134
Lesson 11 Pursuing your passion is a test of will and discipline. 139
Lesson 12 Look in the mirror and love what you see. 153
Lesson 13 Self-love includes your relationship with food. 159
Lesson 14 You have a responsibility to community. 162
Chapter 6 The Circle Widens 172
Uncle James 174
Uncle Moe 177
Doc 180
"Magic" 183
Industry men 187
Chapter 7 The Power of Motherhood 196
The power of gratitude 197
The power of grief 199
The power of the village 203
The power of letting go 205
Chapter 8 Defining Moment 208
Epilogue: Creating Your Own Black Mitzvah 216
Acknowledgments 221
Index 227
About the Author 235