Even though we will be specific about the details of each story, the main "Enemy" targeted in this book doesn't have any particular skin color, gender or geographical location. The Enemy to be unmasked/exposed in this uplifting book is Prejudice, Bigotry, Racism and Narrow-Mindedness -- wherever prevalent -- which is embodied in a person who does have a particular skin color, gender and geographical location.

   Truth is the main friend of this book. Truth-centric. I want the reader to feel the heartache inflicted by prejudice. I also want the reader to feel hope. I see myself merely as a storyteller through which very private pain can be communicated, along with the wisdom lessons that somehow emerge out of grief. That is the purpose of this book, The Moment.

   How did you feel at The Moment? Plus, how have you dealt with The Moment since it occurred? What wisdom lessons do want to pass on to the next generation? I am looking for storytellers. I am also asking you to draw a picture (No, I'm not an artist either) in 3-5 minutes that best depicts the scene during your experience of The Moment. This picture may represent your memory either symbolically or literally. Call me if you need more clarification. Cell: 410-991-9718.

Are You Open to Participating in this New Book Project?
... a journey from nightmares to dreams ...

   This new book will be filled with real/honest experiences, with a hopeful theme. The purpose of this book is twofold:
 A). To educate/sensitize readers regarding the realities experienced by minorities. 
 B). Offer a mental, emotional and spiritual roadmap for any reader who is experiencing prejudice.

   (You may even want to function as a storyteller sharing the story of a friend who is considered a minority in your country...and what happened to make you first realize the rules for your friend are different. What has this understanding opened in your own heart and mind?)

   Copy the following points and paste them into the main body of an email or as a Word Document. Focus your experience (s) upon the following items: 

  1. "This is my recollection of the first defining moment when, because of my __________ [color of skin?, nationality? gender? class? language? religion? physical characteristics?], I realized that the rules were somehow different for me..." --Please cover the who, what, when, how, where and why aspects as you remember them. (If you can't remember a specific moment, answer this the best you can. I am looking for the story of your earliest moment) -- something like..."It was a hot August day and I was in 1st Grade, on my way home from the store..." To be able to effectively communicate your story I need to know details about "the moment", like weather conditions, what was said or not said, who you were with, what you were wearing, the location, your immediate feelings, body language, how you responded, etc..

  2. This is specifically what happened to me or to a friend (or how you became sensitized to to this issue through someone else's experience. For example -- Do you remember The Moment when you realized that you have "Privilege" (because of skin color, class, gender, etc.)? When and how when did you vicariously experience that or come to that realization?)

  3. Immediately and then over the years, this is how I was affected mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally, spiritually -- 

  4. "As I look back on my life in relation to all of this, the life wisdom lessons I have learned are..." -- (In other words, what wisdom lessons do you want to pas along to the next generation?)

  5. Explain what you currently see on the job, in your neighborhood and at church with regard to prejudice 

  6. "This is what I would like to say to young people who will be facing the same types of things I confronted."

  7. "I am (hopeful) (not hopeful) about race relations/diversity in my country, because..." (I'm not looking for positive or negative -- just your perspective. And I am open to you sharing your beliefs about how God views all of this) --

  8. If you live in a country that profited from the labors of your ancestors in slavery, do you feel that your country owes you anything? Why or why not?

  9. I need some specific information from you, like gender, race, age, part of the world you were raised in and where you reside now. And if you are in another part of the world, it sure would be great if you can share your perspective about human relations in that part of the world and the perspectives folks around you have about America. 

  10. I am also asking you to draw a picture (No, I'm not an artist either) in 3-5 minutes that best depicts the scene during your experience of The Moment. This picture (drawn on plain white paper with a black ink pen) may represent your memory either symbolically or literally. Please do not spend more than 5 minutes on the drawing. With honesty, try to put yourself back in the moment of the situation you are trying to capture on paper. I prefer that you scan the picture on at least 300 dpi resolution. I prefer to keep everything digital. and email it along with your story.

   10. Here are the next steps: 
 a. After you have responded to this invitation, I will probably want to talk with you by phone if I have selected your story. If you are from another country, I will probably continue to dialogue by email. 
 b. I will then send you the final edit for your input. I will be using literary license as I attempt to make your experiences more accessible to the reader. Most everyone will be known by first name and last initial, unless you want your full name to be known (e.g. Brian K. or Susan G.). You can make up an alias if you want. I will also want to have a brief bio to introduce your piece (e.g. Susan K. -- 34 year-old woman, Sr. Vice President of Sales of a pharmaceutical company, living in Manhattan...) 
 c. I am also positive that my publisher will want you to sign a release, allowing me to use your story in this book. 
 d. This process will take almost a year before it is published, so please be patient... 
 e. If you have any friends from similar or different nationalities who might like to participate, please refer them to this page. 

   Thank you for your potential part in this project. I am pleased to mention that a percentage of the royalties from the sales of The Moment will be going to The Freeman Institute Foundation. 

   If your story is chosen, you will receive a complimentary signed copy of the book as a token expression of my appreciation for your participation, along with a few extra signed copies to give away...Please send in your contribution as soon as possible. The sooner the better. Initially you may send an email indicating your level of interest and when you believe you will have your story in written form.

      100,000 Blessings,
       Joel
      Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D. 
      Cell; 410-991-9718
   The Freeman Institute Foundation
   The Freeman Institute Black History Collection
   Send your friends to www.themomentbook.com (this page).
   Dr. Freeman's Biosketch
   Dr. Freeman's DVDs and Books 
   The Freeman Institute -- "Dealing With People Who Drive You Crazy!"®  
   Diversity: The Value of Mutual Respect -- Popular seminar program
   A White Man's Journey Into Black History -- Presentation and video
   Return To Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Man -- 184 page book