This book would not have been possible without the young black men who were willing to share the most precious details of their lives with me. Although they remain anonymous or, in some cases, disguised behind pseudonyms, due to the sensitive information, I am forever grateful for their trust, humor, and love. I also wish to thank the basketball-tournament organizers, many of whom went out of their way to discuss the purpose of those games. I am particularly indebted to Russell Paulding, who spent valuable time with me each summer discussing street basketball.
I wish to express gratitude to my mentors and colleagues. My friend, Stephen R. Prothero, has been an invaluable source of knowledge and wisdom over the years and as I completed this manuscript. For his steadfast guidance and mentorship I am truly grateful. Walter E. Fluker, the MLK Jr. Professor of Ethical Leadership at Boston University, has been a vital conversation partner. Professor Fluker has also been instrumental to my growth as a person and scholar. Dr. Sharon Fluker offered valuable feedback on early drafts and continues to be a special mentor. Dr. Christopher Lehrich and I spent many lunch hours discussing my research. Our conversations have been among the most rewarding of my academic career. Several other mentors and colleagues have made important contributions to this project, including Dr. Chris R. Schlauch, Dr. Dwayne Tunstall, Dr. Emmett Price III, Dr. Victor Kestenbaum, Dr. Deeana Klepper, Dr. Erik Wade, Karen Nardella, Rosanna Salcedo, and my friends at the Fund for Theological Education. I am also grateful to Tu Phan, who contributed the opening poem. It would be remiss of me not express my gratitude to Wendy Lochner and the editorial team at Columbia University Press for their sound guidance and expertise. Finally, I am thankful to my colleagues at Phillips Academy Andover, who offered their kind and earnest support while I completed this manuscript.
I have deep appreciation for family and friends who have nurtured this book to its fruition. My mother, Robin M. Offley, made it possible for me to sojourn from Roxbury’s streets to the elite halls of Yale through her undying love and support. She deserves the credit for anything I may accomplish. My father, Dr. Robert J. Woodbine, has been my emotional and spiritual anchor throughout the writing of this manuscript. His are the shoulders on which I stand. I am also truly grateful for the poem that my father wrote for the epilogue. Other family and friends have made indispensable contributions to my life, including Peter Woodbine, Granny, Marvin Barros Sr., my grandmother Elaine Bell, my grandfather Leroy Bell, my brother Bokeem Woodbine, Leondra Dale, Polo Dale, Brian Dale, Tim Dale, Rhik Thompson, and Ms. Wilson. I am also indebted to Doris Barros, my late best friend’s mother, who began treating me like her son on the day we met. Finally, I wish to thank my beloved wife, Folasade Woodbine, who made it possible for me to spend several years conducting research for this book. It is with deep reverence that I thank her for reviewing the manuscript and offering her wisdom and love. And finally, to my beautiful son, Sowande Woodbine—thank you for choosing me.