The Color of Change

My name is Pernell Demetrius Saulsberry Sr and I was born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 23rd, 1964; I am the older of two males. I was raised between two historical cites; three blocks from Mason Temple and five blocks from the Lorraine Motel during the civil rights movement. Growing up in Memphis in the 60s and 70s as a young African American was challenging because I was in the middle of two generations with different views of African Americans place in America. My grandparents were old southerners raised in Mississippi during the 20s and 30s with little civil rights. My mothers siblings were college graduates and civil rights activist. The views of both generations help shape me and give me direction but more important to me give me a since of pride for myself and respect for all. I am a widow and the father of four children. I am an artist with a degree in business and will graduate with a bachelor degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Memphis in 2014.