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Memoirs of an African-American Navigator: Breaking Barriers - A Mariner's Journey from Prejudice to Purpose: The First African American Deck Graduate
Paperback
Publisher Price: $23.95
Publisher: Keith Lawrence
Published: Dec 29 2025
Pages: 300
Weight: 0.89
Height: 0.67 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Breaking Barriers - A Mariner's Journey from Prejudice to Purpose
The First African American Deck Graduate of Cal Poly Maritime
Following the civil rights era, a determined young man walked through the gates of the California Maritime Academy with no roadmap - only will, grit, and a dream. Keith Lawrence would go on to become the Academy's first African American Deck graduate, stepping into a world few people of color had ever entered.
Memoirs of an African-American Navigator takes readers aboard oil tankers, break-bulk freighters, container ships and war-zone supply vessels as Lawrence travels the world as a Merchant Mariner. From storms at sea to weapons-cargo missions during the Gulf War, rescue operations, international ports, shipboard conflict, and friendships forged across cultures - this memoir is both history and human experience.
More than a story of the sea, this is a journey of confronting prejudice externally and internally - discovering purpose, forgiveness, and growth while breaking barriers in a challenging industry.
What readers and mariners are saying:
The first African American Deck graduate of Cal Maritime, Lawrence gives us a valuable contribution to American maritime history - global voyages, conflict, growth, and the life of a mariner who broke barriers. - Capt. Christopher Edyvean, Former AMMV National President⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A rare, brave account - a journey into a world of danger, struggle, and growth. - Amazon Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Harsh realities and explosive content... an inspiring story of compassion, dignity, and survival. - Amazon Review
A powerful memoir of courage, American maritime history, and life at sea - and a reminder that determination can turn barriers into purpose.
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