The Pact

So my sands and I were supposed to start a book club or at least start reading for leisure. Well that didn’t exactly happen, but I did buy a good book that was intended to start the book club; The Pact. This is a book about The Three Doctors; 3 young men who were from the hood and grew up in projects in NJ. They were on the path to becoming the typical street thug, but instead became doctors. These were not guys that just lived next to the hood or lived in the hood and were always above the influence. Nope. These guys were right in the thick of things and made a pact to become doctors when they were very young. Lucky for us they wrote a few books that chronicled their trials and tribulations. The thing I love about this book is not only the fact that I can fully relate to the characters through a nice blend of simple English and profound imagery, but that they have documented the main problems in the African-American community.

As I look to find ways to better my community I will surely use this book as a blueprint (at least as it pertains to medicine and education). They have taken some of the leg work out of researching the age-old question of “Why our boys aren’t going to college?” For me, part of my desire to pursue preventative medicine and get my MPH in Health Policy is to help young people like these boys. They are a rare commodity in society and I wish that wasn’t so. I wish that they didn’t have to write this book, but I am glad they did so that the next time a black kid from the hood becomes a doctor it won’t be such a surprise.

Nonetheless, the book was very emotionally draining for me, but uplifting at the same time. Yes, I cried when they hurt and I rejoiced (out loud) when my eye scanned over their success. I would have given anything to be at that graduation and to see those boys in their robes, but, through the book, I was almost there. The read was draining b/c I kept thinking of all the kids who were in their position and would never have the community or family base to secure the same victory as The Three Doctors. I would listen to their story and see small aspects of their life that made a big difference.Yes, they lived in a rough neighborhood, but they also had very key influential people in their lives early on. Many of these people came from community based programs that were implemented to help kids like The Three Doctors. What bothers me is that those small keynote leaders, programs and family influences are fading from our community. Though each individual controls their destiny, it’s hard to see reach a goal you have never seen. Ultimately, it was very uplifting because it reminded me that though there is a lot of work to be done in our community it is worth it. As a future physician and “world changer”, this motivation is very important to me. They are examples of the type of success that can come from despair if we commit ourselves to our children. As 2Pac may concur, they are the “roses that grew in concrete” because they were nurtured and protected by their community.

Their journey is amazing and eye opening so I encourage EVERYONE to read it!

The Pact by The Three Doctors (Drs. Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt) with Lisa Frazier Page.