Charles Williams, President and CEO of the Indiana Black Expo, was diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer with bone metastases in May 2002. After addressing a support group for men at a local hospital he realized that there might be a need for personal story from an African American perspective and set about to make it happen. A man with considerable drive and energy to give, Reverend William's resulting book has provided an important service to the community he has devoted his life to. His message is clear: Get tested early! Williams speaks with blunt directness about the risk factors facing the African American community for prostate cancer and offers the ones that may have contributed to his diagnosis at age 54 (family history, life-long obesity, lack of regular exercise, and poor diet). Risk factors aside, he is most plain-spoken about his own denial and inexplicable failure to act on the warning signals from his body that began two years before the cancer spread to his bones and he finally sought medical help. The irony of this is not lost given Williams was a man who inspired and led others to self-determination through his work with the NAACP and the Indiana Black Expo, the largest of its kind in the U.S. And although he was comfortable in powerful social and political circles William's gut wrenching struggle with the consequences of his mistakes makes him a man that all men can understand and relate to. As with all cancers that affect sexual function, Williams' struggles with this loss far in the beginning than the idea of imminent death. Only the loving and compassionate contributions of his partner, Valerie, give us insight to how a devastating illness can bring a couple to new depths of emotional intimacy if they are willing to accept the gift. These experiences, which Williams wants to share as a brother in the community of black men, are at once humbling and painful. And his desire to share so that others might gain insight and power for themselves is the most touching of all, because the self-examination is remarkably without defense. To be this open and honest without self-absorption or denial serves as a powerful message to other men about making the right choices while they still can so they will live longer and fuller lives. Since his diagnosis, Reverend Williams has participated in a variety of speaking and public service campaigns to urge African American men to get tested for PSA and to seek help if they have any early warning signs of prostate cancer. Because a National Cancer Institute report and other studies show that these men get prostate cancer at an earlier age for a variety of reasons, it is particularly important to get the message out. Readers should also be aware that there is a strong religious passion throughout this personal story. Reverend Williams' courage and sense of purpose comes from deep and profound faith, which he shares openly. For those at risk for prostate cancer, especially in the African-American community who need inspiration mixed with a cautionary tale, That Black Men Might Live makes a valuable contribution. To purchase this book in our bookstore, click here |
