‘From Then until Now’: Book shares stories of 8 African American Savannahians

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Jazz legend Teddy Adams and educator, coach and mentor James Green are among eight African American men who have published a book featuring life stories.

The pair joined WTOC’s Dawn Baker on Welcome to our Community to discuss the memoir

The book, titled “From Then Until Now: Short Memoirs of Eight African American Savannahians,” tells the story of eight men born in Savannah, Georgia who came from humble beginnings and went on to accomplish things they set out to do.

Adams said the book holds true that where you come from doesn’t matter if you’re determined to accomplish something.

“I think the book is proof positive of that,” Adams said.

Friends became legends across multiple fields

The eight friends grew up to become jazz legends, educators, politicians, activists, executives, first responders, civil rights leaders, military veterans and mentors. Many were the first Black people to do something in their industry.

Green, who calls himself “the baby of the group,” said these men set a standard. As he read everyone’s story, he found that each came from almost the same area with the same type of situations.

“I’m the baby of the group and these guys they they set a standard, you know. As I read the book and I read everybody’s story. The one thing that I found out was that each of us came from almost the same area with the same type of situations and we were able to you know make our way through.”

The pair discussed their life journeys, challenges of growing up in the Jim Crow South and developing a strong spiritual foundation.

Want to read a portion of the book? Click here.