First, Best

Praise

“From his conscious upbringing in Montgomery, Alabama where decades earlier a movement was born, to his trailblazing election as that city’s first Black mayor, Steven Reed knows a lot about the journey Black men must take not only to manhood but to excellence. Journey with him through this book and be both inspired and informed. His is an important voice as a new movement is waiting to be born.”
—Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, author of A Way Out of No Way

“Steven Reed’s election inspired the nation and was a major civil rights achievement that began 65 years ago with a bus boycott. This is an important American story.”
—Bryan Stevenson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just Mercy

“Mayor Steven Reed’s moving memoir is a reminder that leadership is a choice, and indeed, everyone can lead. Reed’s story begins with his dynamic childhood upbringing and culminates in his historic election as the first Black mayor of Montgomery, Alabama—the former capital of the Confederacy and birthplace of the modern civil rights movement. Mayor Reed’s chronicles of civil rights leaders and their lessons offer us deeply important insights as we navigate our own consequential times.”
—April Ryan, author of Black Women Will Save the World

“Mayor Reed has taken on and is carrying out the struggle for equal justice. While I encountered roadblocks of segregation and had to leave home to study law and pursue my vision, Mayor Reed has been able to come home and openly pursue his vision. He, too, is paving a straighter and clearer path for the next generation.”
—Fred D. Gray, civil rights lawyer and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

“This book moved my very soul. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed presents a compelling, engaging, inspiring story that you won’t want to put down. From the very start, you can’t help but be drawn into his personal story…only to find yourself ready to join him in making those important choices that are often uncomfortable, but can lead to real change in our world.”
—The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and author of Love is the Way