It's Not Always Black and White - John Reed Phd

Growing up biracial in post-WWII Germany, Dr. Reed's struggle to find acceptance straddles two continents. Travel with him on his journey as he goes from being born out of wedlock, to earning his doctorate. Learn from his lessons and you, too, can be healed! Even when he was too young to understand racism and prejudice, he could still feel the feelings of annoyance, negativity, and outright hatred. As he grew older, he carried hurt from his childhood into his youth. As a young man, he realized he had to somehow get over this hurt if he wanted to move forward with his life. One particular summer provided the catalyst that would take him on his journey of self-discovery and healing; and one very important mentor became available, when the time was right. His parents met in post-WWII Germany. His father, a black American soldier; his mother, a white German girl. Unmarried, his mother found herself with child, just as his father was being deployed back to America. After he was born, his father came back and married his mother. They lived together as a family for some years, until it all fell apart, and his father moved back to America without him. He often bore the brunt of his mother's hatred for his father and black people; physically, verbally, and emotionally. All the while he wanted only one thing, to be loved and accepted. As a cover for his growing insecurity, the boy finds that being an excellent soccer player, gets him through much strife. When the family relocates from Germany to America, it takes years of adjusting. Going off to college was a huge step toward freedom; freedom from the lack of acceptance he felt from his mother. He returns to Germany, and realizes that he is no longer accepted in his own home town. His mother's attitude toward him hasn't changed; it seems she can't stand to be near him. He starts to question his mother's love. His best friend shares with him some disturbing news: he was not treated well by his mother. He starts to