Community Corner

Banking and Civil Rights Pioneer Bob Samuels Speaks on Book, Career And Life At Library Today

Samuels will discuss his book "Don't Tell Me I Can't" at Austin Davis Library today, at 6:30pm.

After decades of working in the banking industry, a military career and educator Robert "Bob" Samuels is sharing some of his knowledge with the public. His recently penned memoir "Don't Tell Me I Can't" chronicles Samuels' rise and tribulations along the way.

Another important element of the book is Samuels' battle with cancer, including prostate and throat cancers. He confronted the illnesses with the same tenacity as his did banking by serving as the founding chairman of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition.

Samuels, a Philadelphia native, was inducted into the city's Black Hall of Fame in 1998 and is featured in the Baltimore Great Blacks in Wax Museum. But his successes have not been without struggle, including poverty and racism.

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"I have learned to take responsibility for all aspects of my life - the good, the bad, the many mistakes and the personal and professional struggles I faced throughout the years," Samuels writes on his website: www.bobsamuels.com

Westchase Patch caught up with Samuels to give readers a sneak peak at what to expect from him tonight at . Interested in hearing more, be sure to stop by the library located at 17808 Wayne Rd. in Odessa today, Tuesday May 15 at 6:30pm when Samuels will sign copies and discuss his work.

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Patch: What was your inspiration for writing the book?

Samuels: This book is to share my life story of believing in myself and that one person can make a positive difference in life.

Patch: What have you learned about yourself that you didn't know since embarking on the journey of an author?

Samuels: That I have successfully made the transition from being a health advocate to a published author.

Patch: How did you come up with the title "Don't Tell Me I Can't."

Samuels: As a child I had been hearing that because of the circumstances of my birth as the only child of a 16 year old unwed mother from the ghetto society's expectations of me was that I would become a ghetto statistic, dead or in jail by my teenage years. I was determined to prove that it did not have to be that way. And I would break the cycle of hopeless that surrounded me growing up.

Patch: What do you hope people gain by reading your book?

Samuels: A major section of my book focuses on my early years as a banking pioneer and my 18-year battle with cancer, Prostate Cancer in '94,  Throat Cancer in '99 and last year Small Cell Cancer. I remember how lost and confused I felt when I was first diagnosed with cancer and I hope that sharing my story will provide hope and inspiration for other cancer survivors.

Want to meet Samuels?

He will conduct a book signing today Tues. May 15, 6:30pm at the Austin Davis Library, 17808 Wayne Rd. in Odessa. For more information call: 813-273-3652.


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