Peace Corps CD Reginald E. Petty: The Pandemic Prophet
Just learned of this website from Andrew Tadross! Great collection of publications linked and listed here! I look forward to…
Reginald Petty
This is a poetic and prose praise song to Mr. Reginald E. Petty. He was from a small town in Southern Illinois called East St. Louis. It is now considered an economically deprived city, but it never stopped his drive and passion to make it better, as well as himself. The book speaks to his upbringing and what makes him a legend to not only the citizens of his hometown, but throughout the world – particularly in Africa.
Mr. Petty was one of the first African American Peace Corps Country Directors. He served in South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Seychelles from 1966-1983 and went on to receive presidential appointments from three additional U.S. Presidents. He was instrumental in the voter registration efforts in the American South in the late 1950’s, early 1960’s and was a friend and confidante to major civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman John Lewis, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Malcolm X (to name a few). This book covers the expanse of his life and family, those whom he helped, his achievements, and his message to the youth. It also includes poetry from me and Mr. Petty, to demarcate each score of his life. The bulk of the information comes from interviews with Mr. Petty, his peers and proteges, as well as others, along with his archival records and photos.
The Pandemic Prophet: A Soulistic View of the Socioeconomic Guinea Worms of Modern Minds
The Legacy of Reginald E. Petty as told to Jaye P. Willis
Book Vine Press
138 pages
September 2022
$19.99 (Hardcover); $20.62 (Paperback)
I knew Regiinald somewhat as a Peace Corps staff colleague in the late 1970s. He was all you say he was in the above. Quiet, thoughtful, substantive and very firm in pushing the PC in directions he believed to be right. He created change by firmness of will and well thought out persuasive logic in presentation. We were never friends, just mutually respectful colleagues. I am proud to have known Reggie.
Just learned of this website from Andrew Tadross! Great collection of publications linked and listed here! I look forward to the discovery of the works of more Peace Corps authors. Curt Peterson Asmara, Eritrea, Ethiopia (1966 – 1970)