“Unaware Of Your Awareness: How I Overcame Racism, Rejection, and Resistance of Every Kind to Learn and Live a Fulfilled Life of Purpose, Passion, and Prosperity” describes the author’s inspirational life story about his journey as a Black man with dyslexia from the cotton fields of Arkansas to San Francisco and earning a bachelor’s degree and PhD.

Born in 1957 in segregated rural Arkansas into an impoverished extended family of 14 children, Robert James Goodman refused to accept society’s idea of his potential. From the time he overheard his elementary school’s vice principal say, “Why integrate, the Black kids will amount to nothing”, he was determined to prove her wrong.

He grew up on a farm owned by a White man and worked by Black people, like most farms in the area at the time. His Dad was the foreman and Mom was the housemaid. They lived in houses owned by the White farmer and moved back and forth in time with planting and harvest seasons.

Blessed with parents who encouraged him to pursue his dreams, Dr. Goodman believed he could become whatever he wanted.  In search of a better life, at the age of 16 he left Arkansas with an older brother and moved to California where he would embark on a remarkable journey.

After finishing high school and mechanic’s school in California he had a chance meeting in a parking lot with his first mentor, Maurice. Through this relationship he was introduced to his second mentor, Dr. Victor Baranco, who offered him a life-changing opportunity. Dr. Vic invited him to live at More University, where he would take courses, participate on the teaching team, earn a bachelor’s degree and Ph.D.

If you have ever had doubts about your ability to succeed and achieve your goals this book will speak to you. For those who are dyslexic or have other disabilities, this book will encourage and inspire you to reach your goals.