By COLlive reporter
A new children’s book tells the delightful and inspiring story of the connection between the Rebbe and 2 young African American boys in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn shared by blacks and Jews.
On his way from his home on President Street to Lubavitch Headquarters on Eastern Parkway, the Rebbe would encounter James. E. Davis and Geoffrey A. Davis playing in front of their parents’ home on Brooklyn Avenue.
Those short encounters have left a lasting impact on the brothers who went on to become community and civic leaders. James served a New York Police Officer, Corrections Officer and New York City Councilman and Geoffrey is the leader of the 43rd Assembly District of the Democratic party in Brooklyn.
James was killed by a fellow politician in New York City Hall in a bizarre and tragic instance of political rivalry turned violent in 2003. It led his brother Geoffrey to establish the James E Davis Stop the Violence Foundation and speak out against violence in urban America.
The new softcover book is titled “Love Yourself, Love Each Other” and illustrates an abundance of life lessons including the importance of loving your brother as you love yourself that the Rebbe taught the two brothers.
The book places “an emphasis on the honor and privilege the two African American brothers personally encountered with the extraordinary brilliant and powerful religious leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who spoke of peace, one community, charity and love,” a publicist said.
“Conflict resolution measures must be instilled at a very early developmental stage in a child’s growth,” says Davis. “The intent of the book is to assist in bringing peace and contribute in making the world a better place for all.”
Meda Leacock, co-author of the book and co-founder of IAmWondaWoman Foundation, says she felt the Davis’s story needed to be told and that “Love Yourself” represents self-love.
“Our children need to embrace self-love at the youngest age possible, in order to blossom into model citizens who internally love and respect themselves and externally possess natural love and respect for their community,” Leacock says.
The 32-page book was illustrated by Palwasha Sajid and published by JayThel Publishing. It is currently available on Amazon.com. For book readings, email [email protected].
Beauticul story. Everyone in CH should not fight and everyone should be respected regardless of color or religion.
i like the articles writes african american instead of “black” because i feel this term adds division. same goes for white “cauasuan” or “sefardi” should be properly
This is so heartwarming. As a Crown Heights resident, I really appreciate your candid story of which I am not surprised. This needs to be shared because many for many
Jews as well as non Jews, this is enlightening. Keep up the great work you do. You are a true light unto our community!!
Amazing how the rebbe impacted so many. Beyond the fold of jewish life
Did they show it to someone in the Chabad community (perhaps some experts in education) first? I’m not sure if this book is being marketed to Jewish buyers or not, but if it is, I am hoping they had it looked over. I am sure that this was made with the best of intentions. I just hope it was done in the best way possible.
I am a friend of the davis brothers mother as i worked many years with her for the election board. One day as we sat on eastern pkwy opposite 770 she told me of the rebbes friendship with her sons. She said her sons when they were little were having an argument as the rebbe passed by. The rebbe stopped and told them not to argue and gave each son a dollar. I personally knew the son who was murdered. He was a lovely special person and i know geoffrey the other son as well thru working with the election… Read more »