Never in My Wildest Dreams by Belva Davis

Synopsis: Testimonies of an American Reporter and Journalist.

Writing Style: Genuine. Engaging. Storytelling Galore!

Pacing: FAST.

Personal Highlights: Mrs. Belva’s memoir is SO appropriately titled. Not sure where this quote was placed… “it’s easier to change Federal policy than hearts & minds…”, but this sentiment frames my overall view of the rich tapestry of stories enclosed. Oh my goodness there was a lot. 

Some scenes will stay with me forever; her humble beginnings (even for that day and time). The uncle and the ordeal that prompted the family’s move to Oakland. The teacher and her issue with the spelling of Belva’s and her mother’s name. And then there was her start into journalism; the independent writing, and spearheading the ‘Miss Bronze Northern California’ contests, perhaps inspiration for the birth of the Miss Black American pageant? There also was that “real” initiation into reporting, that ‘field’ test/cop chase she wasn’t supposed to pass. But she did, and hung on (and hung on in every way hanging on can be defined) to experience a journalism career that survived the long haul. All the people she’s met and interviewed …and how she described meeting those individuals; Malcolm X, Dr. King, many, if not all of the founding Panthers, ‘Nate the Great’, and many U.S. presidents is simply impressive, and this includes James Brown… proof of her objective, fair and accurate reporting. Too funny. Loved it!

By the end of the 60’s she notes there was a black U.S. senator, a black airline pilot, Thurgood Marshall in the U.S. Supreme Court, Cleveland’s black mayor, plus Shirley Chisholm, Bill Cosby, Bill Russell among other firsts in various fields. This was whereabout I learned of ‘Miss Tennessee’ – Oprah Winfrey. Never knew this, the event that “put a flower in ‘her’ mind.” To this end, Eisenhower’s quote put a place-holder in my mind, along with what changed Ron Magers view of journalism. Powerful stuff.

I could go on and on. From the open-heart surgery she watched, to meeting the Jacksons, this memoir is jammed-packed with moving, heart-warming, and funny (in appropriate doses and spots) information. What Belva managed to achieve through her career, without a college degree, makes ‘Never in My Wildest Dreams’ A MUST READ! Another Spoiler: Why Dreams are so powerful? Answer: ‘They are our reason for living!’ Highly recommended. Read hardcover 2012 copyright edition.