Isaac Ford - Up From The Bottom: A Memoir

Up From the Bottom is a timeless account of enduring struggles, disappointments, and setbacks balanced by perseverance, sacrifice, and hope. It is an exceedingly honest and captivating memoir which unabashedly points to the power of loving-kindness and redemptiona testament to the unconquerable soul.

Colonel David Rabb , LCSW

Enlightened reading not only for people of color, who are quite familiar with pain and oppression, but people who have struggled and at times allowed self-doubt to seep within. Up From the Bottom truly illustrates that light will prevail.

Terence Fitzgerald, Ph.D., M.Ed., MSW

Truly grateful for the gift of this compelling story. It is a testament to the power of turning tragedy into triumph, resilience, and most important, forgiveness! This is a powerful story of one mans journey of overcoming adversity against all odds.

Donna L. Cook, Ph.D., MSN, BSN

Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

A pathfinder of courage and resilience. In this compelling memoir, the reader will travel with the narrator exploring how community, love, and courage molds ones worldview, and how faith can pull you from the deepest abyss. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7)

Jose E. Coll, Ph.D.

Isaac Fords story of his life is a riveting account of the limitless possibilities of the human spirit and its ability to triumph over trauma, adversity, and discrimination. Despite a turbulent childhood and mistreatment from multiple systemsfamily, employment, military, and law enforcementIsaac Ford did not let feeling less than, for most of his life derail him from achieving his dreams. Instead, he used his village of extended family, friends, and colleagues to propel him forward. Through sheer will, unimaginable tenacity, and Gods grace, he overcame adversity to become the man he is today: self-assured, self-less, and driven to be a guiding light for others by sharing his story. For those who are broken or feel worn down by the weight of the world, their counselors, teachers, and mentors, this book is a must-read.

Jennifer Simpson, Ed.D.

A compelling and inspirational recount of triumph over the adverse circumstances that plagues many of our communities. Replete with examples of a mans indomitable spirit to live a life of integrity and overcome unspeakable life events. An absolute must-read to equip all committed to mentoring youths to live a life with integrity and overcome personal tragedy.

Colonel William Gillespie, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. President, San Diego Chapter

Isaac left no stone unmourned and with each heartfelt discovery, there is a sincere and open healing path to recovery. This is a book that should be read by anyone who landed in the potholes of life, stuck in childhood chaos, or has experienced unmentionable disappointments by the people who are supposed to love you; and you are still standing, growing and positively impacting the lives of others.

Dr. Kimberly Finney, Psy. D., ABPP, ABMP

The reading of Isaac Ford Jr.'s story is captivating. He suffered trauma and challenges that had the potential to destroy his life. This story can teach others in the same type of situations how to make it despite their past. Although we think we go through life unscathed, the chance encounte made it clear that all was not well. The cathartic nature of writing and talking about the stories of our lives can help us to soar even higher.

Yvonette Powell, Ed. D, LCSW

Up From the Bottom

A Memoir

Copyright 2019 by Isaac Ford Jr., MSW

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

ISBN 978-0-578-50732-3

Printed in the United States of America

In April 2018, while attending the 50th Anniversary of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) Conference in San Diego, California, I had a remarkable encounter with a woman from my distant past, a lifetime away during my childhood in Augusta, Georgia. This extraordinary meeting and the powerful reaction it evoked, moved me to finally put into words something that I have struggled with for more than four decades. My improbable story began in Washington, D.C., but the people and experiences that had the most impact on my life were from Augusta in a segregated section of the city affectionately called The Bottom. It was here that I learned the value of the extended family: values, work ethic, character, respect, the power of faith, and resilience. This village, which included my maternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the black church, helped me survive tragedy in my childhood and prepared me for the daunting challenges that awaited me outside of the Bottom. It is my hope that my story will inspire others to believe that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and faith, regardless of where you start in life.

In the interest of protecting individuals privacy, the author has changed the names of some characters.

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

Oprah Winfrey

THE NABSW CONFERENCE attracts the best and brightest from around the world and focuses on every aspect of social work and advocacy but through an unapologetically Afrocentric lens.

It was the third day of the conference, and I was looking forward to attending two seminars scheduled in the Bay Tower. The first was scheduled at 10:30 a.m., the second at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon. As I entered the elevator of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, I was greeted by two beautiful African American women eloquently dressed in brightly colored African attire, looking like African royalty. Throughout the week-long conference, attendees wear elaborate traditional African clothing and greet each other with warm traditional African greetings.

Are you ladies enjoying the conference and San Diego? I asked as the elevator door closed.

Yes, we are, thank you, they said on one accord. How about you?

I always enjoy attending NABSW conferences.

The conversation continued as the elevator reached the first floor. We exited as the doors opened, stopping in the center of the hotels lobby to await the start of the next seminars. The beautiful San Diego Bay was in full view directly behind us through the lobbys front entrance. Dozens of sailboats adorned with brightly colored sails could be seen traversing the picturesque San Diego Bay as well as tourist boats filled with tourists. We continued our small talk. I found out that they were from Atlanta, Georgia (where I had family living), and that one of them worked in Augusta early in her career as a Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworker.

Really? I said surprised at how we were connecting.

What is your familys name? she asked.

Its a unique name. Boler.

Im certain I worked with someone in your family.

By now, I was very curious as to who she might have worked with, especially as a CPS social worker. My wheels were really turning at this point, and I dug deeper.