Dear Mr. Bailey,

I remember like it was yesterday when we met at the Post Exchange located at Fort Meade. A colleague of mine was talking with you and I went over to speak to him and I received the opportunity to meet you. I remember my colleague (who also has a wrestling background) referred to you as a wrestling legend! I was very excited to be given the opportunity to meet someone that achieved such historically  significant accomplishments especially in the U.S. Military. I purchased one of your books and I was not disappointed by no means whatsoever. What started out as a sparked interest in your life’s story evolved into an experience of inspiration, gratitude and motivation. 

The inspirational factor of your life’s story resonated with my already burning desire to uncover and discover what was never truly hidden in our history but somehow always seemed left out. During a time when black accomplishment was overlooked and often discredited by such a racially prejudiced society it has become difficult to discover the historical accomplishments of our people by our people. Mr. Bailey I sincerely thank you for taking the time to tell your story! As a proud African American I have always been in love with our people and who we are and what we’ve done. So much history has been pushed to the side and forgotten for many reasons and in most cases the history was forgotten because the story wasn’t told. But what you have done Mr. Bailey by writing your own story is inspire all peoples of color that have a story to tell. You have inspired us to tell our story lest it fade away into the endless ocean of time and be forgotten. Thanks to your efforts Mr. Bailey your story has strengthened, inspired and encouraged its readers (myself especially)!

My gratitude for the telling of your story is immense. As peoples of color we must take charge of our history and tell it for ourselves however we can. When someone knows their history and from whence they came they live with a sincere and unshakable sense of purpose and honor. As up and coming generations are born they must be taught where we have been to understand what we are reaching for and where we are going. Stories like yours Mr. Bailey will certainly help to do just that. I believe that Self-love is rooted in Self-knowledge and Self-knowledge is rooted in how much one knows about his or her history.  To love one’s self (and his or her history) is essential for a people to work together, build and grow. Again, I say thank you Mr. Bailey.

Last but most certainly not least. I must speak on how your story has motivated me. As a young African American male we have a lot of barriers in our way that we must constantly get around and overcome to accomplish our goals. You grew up during in the United States when social injustice and racial inequality was very real and a serious ordeal for black folks. Although we still have many challenges in front of us the earlier years were no comparison. The obstacles that our people had to overcome. The racial slurs and insults that had to be ignored. The economic and financial strife that we had to bear. All of these things could not stop you from accomplishing your dreams. You did more with less. You defeated your opponents with pain in your body. You overcame and you achieved. The God we serve is a great God. His favor along with your determination and desire made all of these things possible. You have been a blessing Mr. Bailey and your story will continue to live on.

With all due respect and sincerity,

Larry C. Jr.