Up From Slavery

Imagine growing up the next youngest of nine children in midst of poverty and a society that is against you. Imagine experiencing racism and prejudice first hand, from childhood on. Now imagine overcoming monumental odds based on color and education to become the first popularly elected mayor of African American heritage in the New England area. Thirman L. Milner has lived these experiences and more. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Milner’s ancestry dates back to the days of slavery in Connecticut and to the Native American Wongunk Tribe. After facing discrimination and censorship first hand while growing up, he became a civil rights and community activist, demonstrating and marching with the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others. Following three successful terms as Hartford’s mayor, Milner pursued several other influential endeavors in both the private and public sectors, including a term as State Senator. His career has culminated in numerous awards, citations and tributes including the NAACP’s Roy Wilkins’ Distinguished Service Award and the Jewish Tree of Life Award. In 1989, the citizens of Hartford recognized Milner’s years of selfless commitment to their communities by renaming one of their schools the Thirman L. Milner Elementary School. Until then, the Hartford Board of Education had never named a school after a living person. Why should you read Thirman L. Milner’s autobiography? His early years of hardship and frustration will challenge you. His years of courage and determination will inspire you. And his latter years of accolades will show you that all things really do work for your good, as long as you don’t give up. At the end of the book you will reflect on your life’s dreams and goals and how Milner’s family was able to rise “Up from Slavery.”