Lofton 6

Born in 1961, my life has been irreparably changed by disputes over civil rights and the hope for truly equal protection under the law. This book traces my journey, beginning with my time as a boy in foster homes and juvenile institutions, following me through college and the Navy, and describing how I ended up in the United States Postal Service, a Master's Degree program, and with a book. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize I have really come this far. There are many reasons to complete this book. There is not a day that goes by that I run across someone who wants to understand the effects of Brown v. Board of Education, or how I made it through various institutions. What happened to my family and how did I get here? As the dust settles, here is clear and concise revelation about what happened to my family during the Civil Rights Movement, and why I spent my entire childhood in the juvenile justice system. Many thanks to Seattle University Criminal Justice Master's Program and their highly-skilled professors and staff for providing the tools and training to gather information for this book and for helping me understand how struggles with family, relationships, education, and chasing my dreams are connected to a troublesome historical legacy. Writing and researching for this book has helped me better understand my situation in life, and I hope my journey can offer insights for others, especially for my friends and family, who need and deserve answers.