This image is the cover for the book Confessions of a Recovering Racist

Confessions of a Recovering Racist

The memoir of a dyed-in-the-wool racist forced to change his beliefs to succeed in the progressively changing times of twentieth-century America.

This true story is about George O’Hare and his upbringing in a segregated, White, Irish Catholic, Chicago neighborhood. As an adult moving up the corporate ladder at a time when America was transitioning from Jim Crow to Civil Rights, George was asked by his manager to join the Junior Chamber of Commerce, which often worked closely with a race of people he did not want to know and did not trust.

Consequently, George was faced with a dilemma. How could he be a part of this organization and fulfill his hopes of corporate success given the beliefs and principles he was taught as a child and had embraced his entire life? The path George ultimately chose to follow shaped and changed his life forever. He met some of the most iconic African Americans in the country and became good friends with Dr. Martin Luther King, comedian Dick Gregory, Father George Clements, Muhammad Ali, State Senator Barack Obama, and many others.

This compelling memoir is also an historical document, giving insight into the heart of America during one of the most momentous eras in history. It is a must-read for anyone willing to look at George’s life, examine one’s own, and decide like George what each of us can do in our own small world and for our nation.

George O’Hare, Emma Young, George Clements

George O’Hare is a retired Sears salesman. He was born in 1927 in a segregated all-white neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois. George attended all-white elementary and secondary schools, and majority white colleges. He was raised by an extremely racist uncle who taught him to fear and hate African Americans. On his own at Sears and a member of the Junior Chamber of College, George met and became personally involved with such iconic African Americans as Dr. Martin Luther King, Muhammad Ali, Father George Clements, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and many others. He was an important figure in bringing widespread attention to the Civil Rights Movement. He marched with Dr. King, traveled with Muhammad Ali, and learned to love and respect African Americans; thus, he became a recovering racist. George was born in Chicago, but spent his adult life in Willowbrook, Illinois and currently resides in Lisle, Illinois.Emma L. Young is a former advertising executive and freelance writer. She has written articles for numerous publications including The Saints Magazine, The Spiritual Perspective, the South Shore Current, and the West End Current. She previously wrote a memoir entitled Bronx Rhythms and Jim Crow Blues about the life of former Tuskegee Airman, John Harley. She also wrote a children’s book entitled It’s Good to be Me that is currently available on Amazon. Emma was born and raised and continues to reside in Chicago.

Morgan James Publishing