The toughest opponent this young author ever had to face was low self-esteem, but he is using that experience to inspire others.
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In a dark office with a cold heart, Joshua Rivers penned out his second book: “Rumble Young Man, Rumble.” He wanted it to be an inspirational read that motivates anyone—but particularly young men like himself—to achieve greatness in spite of challenges and circumstances.
But instead of encouraging words, Mr. Rivers drafted what sounded like a proclamation for revenge against those that harmed him. So halfway through the book, he deleted his words and started again.
“I heard God say: that message wasn’t inspiring,” says the 2008 graduate of Penn State University at University Park. As we stood in front of Horizon Bookstore on the ground floor of the Gallery at Market East, Mr. Rivers, dressed neatly and glowing with pride for his first-ever book signing, reveals the inspiration behind the 66-page, easy-to-read, motivational masterpiece.
“I was depressed. I had just got out of a situation where everyone had turned their back on me … I was angry with God. I was watching a documentary about Muhammad Ali called ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ I kept hearing the phrase: Rumble Young Man, Rumble.”
The toughest opponent that the twenty-something, Southwest Philadelphia-born, award-winning author ever had to face was low-self esteem. As he tells it, growing up no one—except his mother—ever told him he was great… or that greatness was in reach for that matter. It wasn’t until 24 years of age that Mr. Rivers, letting go of all his anger—including the harsh feelings he felt towards his absentee father—began to fight back using words and stories.
Touting his second book, a line of self-designed ties and a number of published articles and interviews—including a live talk with the Toronto-based Dr. Vibe Show—Joshua Rivers is not only living a great life now and acknowledging the power of his voice, but he’s making sure others are equally empowered and inspired to achieve whatever their hearts desire.
It took me only an hour to read “Rumble Young Man, Rumble” and it’ll only take you moments to download it from Lulu.com. It’s worth the read, and B.O.L.D member Joshua Rivers, a thought-leader with a perspective rooted in faith, is worth the second look. He’s currently in Philly, but his story will take him far … he’s a millennial on the move.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, I’m Flood the Drummer® & I’m Drumming for JUSTICE!™
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Photo: AP/John Rooney