Eugene Spencer shares personal trials and triumphs in his new book, “Mississippi Born/California Bound: How Jim Crow and Racism Lost To A Family Legacy”
Alcorn State University alumnus Dr. Eugene Spencer recently published an autobiography chronicling his life’s journey from the challenges of growing up in segregated Mississippi to pursuing his dreams in sunny California.
Spencer, who graduated from Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1953 with a degree in agricultural economics, recently published his book titled, "Mississippi/California Bound: How Jim Crow and Racism Lost to A Family Legacy," which is a personal account of Spencer's life as a young boy in Mississippi. In the book, he also speaks on the support of his family, surviving racism, and pursuing a medical career.
Spencer is a retired dentist, community activist, and philanthropist. He earned a doctorate from Howard University in 1963. His post-doctoral education was spent at the University of California San Diego's School of Medicine, the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, and the University of Pacific School of Dentistry.
Accomplishing this feat wouldn't be possible had it not been for the push and encouraging cheers of Spencer's family. Their support and the maintaining of a solid family legacy served as inspiration for sharing his story.
"This book is dedicated to my family," said Spencer. "It is a story of the experiences that shaped me; some good, and some that are unimaginable. My parents would be proud of our family legacy. I have truly been blessed to have such a wonderfully supportive and loving family."
The book talks about Spencer's encounters with racism and how black people still face bigotry today. His goal is to motivate young African-Americans to stay active and work hard to overthrow discrimination.
"This book is for African-Americans. We had to overcome blood and tears resulting from the Jim Crow era and racism, and we survived. The book was published to encourage young African-Americans to succeed in an era of segregation and oppression. Our ancestors died and fought for our freedom."
Spencer also dedicates his book to his schoolmates, Medgar and Myrlie Evers who fought for the civil rights of black people.
Visit the Amazon website to purchase a copy of Spencer’s book.
