Overcoming

Former President/CEO, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota

"During our life journey, all of us face crises, challenges, and disappointment. Dean's thought-provoking book provides real-life examples of overcoming tragic and deeply challenging situations. Facing health crises, racism, the death of his spouse, and job disappointments, he still managed to overcome and provide a lifetime of distinguished service to others."

Former Pastor, St. Peter's AME Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

"In Overcoming, Willie Dean shows both his human vulnerability and spiritual faith (that without question grew deeper and stronger from every adversity and challenge he faced, endured, and overcame). I applaud Willie for being candid about the struggles and setbacks he's faced professionally and personally and his openness about God's faithfulness during these times."

Former Teacher, Memphis City Schools

"A must-read, Overcoming is not only a classic example of how a Black man navigated a path to success in a world so obstinately opposed to him, but it also is a moving illustration of the power of love...love of God, family, and mankind. Insightful, timely, sensitive, and transformative."

Professor and Director of REYSE Collaboratory, Clemson University; Former Graduate Advisor, University of Minnesota

“Dr. Willie Dean takes us on a powerful journey that few readers would expect. This is a raw story that reflects the richness and strength of who he has become by focusing on not only the hardships in his life but each of the triumphs as well.

Overcoming depicts Dr. Dean’s experiences as a husband, father, and wid­ower, from becoming one of the first Black Executive Directors in the YMCA despite extreme discrimination to finally finding love once again. Each passage provides a ‘window to his world’ that allows the reader to connect at a spiritual level through the sharing of his pain, vulnerability, laughter, purpose, love, and healing. Today, his legacy continues, and its influence is seen in the policies and practices enacted within various national and local organizations and his family’s love and dedication.

Overcoming is a testament to the strength of Dr. Dean’s love, courage, and ability to overcome any obstacles by not only opening up the hearts and minds of so many people but by placing faith in God above all else.”

Urologist
Medical Director of Equity, Inclusion & Diversity, Kidney Transplant Surgeon and Author, MetroHealth Medical Center Cleveland, Ohio

"African American men and boys, it is well-known and documented, face and experience many unique challenges in America. In fact, many of the obstacles and hurdles that Black men and boys encounter as a result of the social circumstances in which they are often born, including intergenerational poverty, racism, microaggressions, etc., contribute to the fact that many Black boys and men psychologically have little self-esteem or self-worth and often never believe in themselves to where they do not develop aspirational dreams because of how society has historically viewed Black men and Black boys.

Black men and boys need inspiration, guidance, mentorship, and a toolkit to which they can find resources that will assist them in realizing that they too can set aspirational goals which they can work toward achieving. Because I, myself, have authored a success tips book, entitled, It Isn’t Difficult To Do It IF You Know How To Do It, which is a book designed to provide a roadmap for success for Black men and boys and others, I am particularly proud to endorse and recommend Dr. Willie Dean’s book, Overcoming: How Faith, Family & Friends Helped One Black Man Beat The Odds, as a valuable resource to assist and enlighten readers as to how they can overcome obstacles in their own lives.

To this end, Dr. Dean has written a superb summary, replete with detailed accounts, of the numerous spiritual blessings he has received. This memoir also shows how reliance on his faith, family, and friends and listening to the voices of his ancestors have accounted for the many successes he has achieved. These techniques have helped him overcome significant challenges such as racists, bullies, serious health challenges, divorce, and the death of loved ones and go on to accomplish much in his lifetime in both his personal and professional life."

Executive Director
World Without Genocide,
St Paul, Minnesota

“Dr. Willie Dean was born the son of a Black sharecropper in Jim Crow Mississippi, where racism was part of daily life. He defied all odds and had a remarkable career as a CEO, earned a Ph.D., and served as a leader in faith and civic organizations throughout the country.

Dr. Dean faced challenges with the support of his constant companions of faith, family, and friends. He is a survivor - and a THRIVER.

Dr. Dean writes, ‘You have to see a man to be a man.’ The man he saw was his beloved father. He is now the model for the next generation, urging us to dismantle the caste systems of color, religion, gender, and sexual orientation to become one America. “