Living on the black side is actually what Author/Editor Peter De Lissovoy did. As a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committe (SNCC) in the 1960s, he lived, marched and went to jail with Blacks. “Why did you do it?” is a question De Lissovoy has been asked over and over. It’s a question I asked . . .you will be surprised at how he answers it.

As you can see, Peter is white. So . . .what made this white, upper middle class, Harvard University student put his life on the line? Joining SNCC was not the only “out-of-the-ordinary” thing Peter had experienced. Earlier, he had spent fifteen months as a reporter in Rhodesia, taught in Tanzania, and joined the youth wing of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). ZANU was an organization that fought against white minority rule in Rhodesia. Civil rights were handed to whites and denied to blacks. . . much like in America.

Emergence of Civil Rights

As I researched the life of De Lissovoy, a pattern of behavior began to emerge. Peter had a deep sense of equality and “rightness” that reached far beyond skin color. It was embedded in a constitution his own country was still striving to uphold. As an African American kid, I had learned that the “all men are created equal” phenomenon in America was a cultural myth, and Peter was finding it out also. Additionally, contributing to his moral compass, was a religious background that stressed it was not enough just to read the Word of God, practicing it is also essential. Civil rights for all individuals had begun to reshape his view of America and the world. But . . . this is a writer’s analysis, you gotta’ find out yourself! And one way to do that is by reading his book . . . “The Great Pool Jump.”

WHERE DID THE GREAT POOL JUMP LAND?

That is an interesting question? Where did the great pool jump land? How did the landing affect societal norms? Were they constricted or expanded? More importantly, what was the “great pool jump?” Who made it and why? Did the person drown? Was he killed? Peter De Lissovoy will answer all of these questions. He will also talk about life experiences, challenges, successes, hardships, and an America we all love and seek to make a “more perfect union.” Where can you hear him? Answer: On a radio interview called “Talk to the Author” with Dr. Mamie Smith.

Living on the Black Side with “Talk to the Author” on EAMTRADIO

Join Author/Editor Peter De Lissovoy and Talk Show Host Dr. Mamie Smith on “Talk to the Author” on April 24th, 2022 at 5 PM (EST) on eamtradio.com. Grab the app on iTunes for your apple phone or Google Play for your android. This link will explain how. Click on that link and follow directions.

Here is what you will walk away with by listening to Peter’s interview: honesty, integrity, wisdom and a man who has spent most of his life trying to make the world a better place. Before tuning in to the interview, ask yourself: What have I done to make the country a better place for all mankind? How do I view myself? How do I view those who don’t look like me, practice my religion or cannot check the box “white male?” I hope your answers give you a sense of peace and genuine joy. If they don’t . . . you have work to do!

Gratitude for Peter Lissovoy’s Living on the Black Side Continues

Months later, Peter’s Sister Victoria spied this tweet from Andrea Waters King, wife of Martin Luther King III, son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Along with many others, she is showing gratitude for Peter’s sacrifice and bravery during the 1960’s. Goodness has no boundaries. . .

“Peter de Lissovoy was a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1963. At a young age, he understood the gravity of the moment and left Harvard to join the movement. Peter and three others conducted a hunger strike in jail that lasted 20.5 days.” #BHM