Bronzeville's Bootstraps

Bronzeville's Bootstraps details the blossoming of African-American entrepreneurs during the tumultuous, fifties, sixties and seventies. It describes how these astute businesspersons inspired future generations. This provocative novel which tells how Chicago's (Bronzeville) Black private sector became our Nation's most prosperous Negro community is inspired by real people and events; it's a story that has never been told. In 1954, Jerome Gerard, searching for a registered pharmacist's position, left Beaumont Texas with his two young daughters, and beautiful wife Gail; both were 24. After being repeatedly denied accommodations and equal employment opportunities while trekking thousands of miles through many cities, they stopped at the fabulous Pershing Hotel for a respite. While out-on-the-town, Bronzeville's brazen ladies mesmerized the Gerards. Perchance, Jerome was offered his sought-after job plus his first home, while on a golf course. Over the next generation the Gerards grew wealthy; their life's mission became educating underprivileged African American scholars. Initially, Jerome naively placed his career in Sidney Reis' hands, a manipulative Jew. Within two years Sid crushed Jerome's dreams. The protagonist buys his first drug store by exploiting racial prejudices; humor prevails. Additional stores follow as he overcomes structured segregation. A new, Black-owned bank, with Jerome as a board member and major investor, opens in Bronzeville. After several years, because the bank is failing, Jerome is blackmailed into becoming its president. Jerome receives Bronzeville's highest award during an elegant banquet at the World's largest hotel. While hunting, Jerome has a near-death accident; he takes a cruise while convalescing. Aboard ship he negotiates a multi-million dollar business deal. Jerome's envious, Black landlord tries to ruin him, twice. Some notable characters are: Conrad Beauregard, Jerome's Nigger-rich, narcissistic father in-law; Lester, "Turkey," Stevens, the corrupt manager of the Pershing Hotel; PhD. Willie McGhee, a wise, prosperous, retired college professor; successful, shrewd, Attorney Samuel Stovall; and Caucasian Hal Hornbeck who threatens suicide after being caught stealing from the bank. Bronzeville's rare republican, Attorney Jewel Piernas, and militant, democrat, Buddy Laws, argue opposing political perspectives; they join forces to help Jerome. WW II Tuskegee airman, Fred Hawkins is Jerome's best friend who he has to fire as Bank President. Reverend Joshua Jones is a flamboyant, stem-winding preacher who significantly contributes to Bronzeville's prosperity. A former businessman, Catholic priest Father Paul tolerates Jerome's agnostic beliefs. Seductress's are: middle-aged Louise; ambitious, stunning, Leticia; and beautiful, young, Japanese-Negro, Hope Jenkins. Reactions to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Emmett Till are dramatically portrayed. Women play important roles in this positive, business guideline, 127,000 word product.