One of the First: Lessons I Learned While Overcoming the Challenges of Integration

by Ralph Stokes, Chris Mckinney, Sylvester Croom (Introduction)

Overview

From the time he became one of the first African American football players at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, Ralph Stokes recognized a calling on his life for the cause of integration.

This calling followed him everywhere he went. After becoming one of the first five Black football players at the University of Alabama and making many advances there, Ralph was a pioneer for integration in the business arena and later in the world of golf.

Throughout his life, Ralph was frequently told all the things he couldn't do as a Black man. Over and over, he proved his critics wrong. Many barriers were broken, and the cause of integration was advanced. No matter what he faced, Ralph always looked out into his promised land and decided he could go in and take it.

Let his story inspire you to go and take your promised land.

"Ralph Stokes has broken many barriers, from the world of football, to the business world, to the world of golf. Ralph consistently persevered through biases, blatant racism, and other challenges, paving the way for those who came after him." - Sylvester Croom, First African American Head Football Coach in the SEC

"One of the First reveals the truth that with commitment, perseverance, and faith, you can overcome any obstacle in life, including racism." - Ozzie Newsome, NFL Hall of Fame Tight End and First African American General Manager in the NFL

"With his new book, One of the First, Ralph has drawn out tremendous wisdom from his personal life, addressing some issues that are uncomfortable. He does not point fingers, but he does teach some very valuable lessons about racial issues and about persevering through challenges. A must read for everyone." - Wendell Hudson, First African American Scholarship Athlete at The University of Alabama

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781735476032
Publisher:	Called Writers Christian Publishing
Publication date:	07/05/2021
Pages:	230
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

Ralph Stokes was a key player on the southern football scene during the time of integration. After becoming one of the first five Black football players at the University of Alabama, Ralph was a pioneer for integration in the business arena and later on, in the world of golf. He is currently the Director of Partnership Marketing for PGA TOUR Superstore and President-Elect of the Georgia State Golf Association. Ralph is very passionate about partnering with and supporting different charities across the United States. Ralph lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Debra. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.