 |
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the author's childhood was challenging. Black and deaf, he was one of seven children. His mother and two of his siblings were also deaf. However, his family made no allowances for the disability, always stressing oral communication. The boy didn't understand much of what was going on around him. Going to a school for hearing impaired children was a great help, for there he learned speaking and lipreading. But social challenges persisted. His black friends considered him too ambitious, while white children considered him different, even dirty. He warmly credits his brother for acquainting him with Black English and thanks his parents for raising him to be self-disciplined and hard-working. From the age of ten, he took on many jobs. He pursued higher education, gradually becoming a strong advocate for better understanding and conditions for deaf people in ministerial and socially active spheres. He is a lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf.
Moore's short but stirring memoir begins with a helpful guide to his home city of Philadelphia and two Bible stories, one regarding the forgiveness expressed by Joseph to the brothers who sold him into slavery. This issue arises for Moore as he recalls his difficult youth. He now has a greater understanding of those who treated him unfairly. He notes that when he was a child, there were few special devices for the deaf and that his parents did the best they could, given their own struggles with racial discrimination and physical handicaps. He stresses the support of his Christian faith that now offers him enhanced opportunities to assist those experiencing problems of deafness. Moore's book fulfills his intended purpose: to enhearten and inspire other deaf persons and encourage those who may wish to help them as he has.