Description
Book SynopsisThis book describes how Robert âœBobâ Holmes, a former juvenile delinquent, rose from humble beginnings in West Virginia and Harlem, New York to become an influential voice in academics and politics. This book provides an analysis of four decades of Georgia legislative politics from the perspective of a political insider.
Trade ReviewIf those who helped to shape it do not write Atlanta’s history, it runs the risk of being forgotten…I am not only proud that he has chronicled his life, I am grateful that he has lived a life worth sharing. -- Shirley Clarke Franklin, Mayor, City of Atlanta, 2002-2010
Bob Holmes has written a fascinating account of his life …His commitment to public service has earned him a special place in our history. -- Laughlin McDonald, Emeritus Director of the American Civil Liberties Union Southern Regional Office and Voting Rights Project
Robert A. Holmes was able to escape the poverty of West Virginia and the "mean streets of Harlem in New York City...He succeeded in making an enormous contribution to African-American life and history. -- Georgia Persons, PhD, professor of Political Science, Georgia Institute of Technology and former editor of the National Political Science Review
Told with candor, wit and sincerity, this is the compelling story of a life well lived by a small town West Virginia lad who aspired to know the world and make his mark on it…His story will be an inspiration for generations yet to come. -- Mack H. Jones, Professor Emeritus at Clark Atlanta University and first president of the National Black Conference of Black Political Scientists
Any person who is interested in understanding the complex and byzantine nature of politics in state legislatures, the politics of public policy making in an urban setting, and how one man was able to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become a success in multiple careers should read this book. -- Alvetta Peterman Thomas, EdD, president of Atlanta Technical College
Table of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1 The Early Childhood and Formative Years: Poverty and Segregation Chapter 2 Higher Education Experiences and My Early Professional Career Chapter 3 Civic, Political and University Activities in Atlanta Chapter 4 The 1974 Election Campaign and Early Years in Political Office Chapter 5 Atlanta and Georgia Politics in the 1970s and 1980s Chapter 6 Family, University, Business and Civic Developments Chapter 7 The Southern Center and Decline of the Political Science Program Chapter 8 The Georgia General Assembly in the 1990s Chapter 9 Election Reform and Other Policy Issues Chapter 10 My Final Years in Academia, 2000-2005 Chapter 11 Partisan Politics and the Georgia Legislature Chapter 12 The Political Struggle Over Education Reform Chapter 13 Republican Control of the Georgia General Assembly and Adverse Impacts Chapter 14 The Retirement Years Index
