Young people are not disposable regardless of the melanin in their skin.

Samuel G. Puryear, Jr. was blessed to meet an incredible group of young people and their families who lived in a crippling, dysfunctional environment in the East Lake neighborhood in East Atlanta. The astonishing story of a false accusation and its conceivable impact, and their fantastical resilience met with youthful naivety, allowed these kids to blossom into wonderful adults. This story of overcoming adversity allowed a bevy of dreams to come true, although some arrived hobbled and bandaged.

Raised by two southern educators, Samuel drew on his upbringing and shared his truth and life experiences with these youth as he helped them carve a positive narrative of what could come to fruition with a strong education and a solid core of opportunities. These nuggets were woven around the beautiful game of golf.

Diamonds in the Rough was written to serve as an example to other youth and families. It highlights that success is often dressed as a stranger, but upon closer inspection, is only our reflection in an unpolished mirror. This empowering book shows that faith, inspiration and hope are innately built in each of us, before we are forced to build ourselves for the rest of the world. Let’s purchase the proverbial tickets and choose which train we really want to ride. All aboard . . . next stop . . . a great life!