Clayton Desmore

Dad, the Man, the Myth, the Legend Clayton Desmore

As you read my snippets of time gone by I hope it reminds you of the paths you have taken to get to where you are now. All decisions made were not the best but at the time, you used what you had to get to where you needed to be. This is for my sons...

As a high school graduate with a music scholarship, I felt college was not for me so I joined the United States Navy. After about five years in the U. S. Navy I had to rethink my career my plans. I knew that I could not continue to work inside a system that was determined to destroy me as Black man. I know racist behavior when I see it after all I was a part of integrating the school system in Florida... I digress.

As I was writing these memories, letters, random thoughts, I remember thinking, "Now making the decision about leaving the Navy was serious. I had a wife, a son and a new career as a college student with college classes to handle." It may have been easy to go to college right after high school but sometimes "the long way around," though a tougher route sometimes, does work its way out. These writings will help you to understand Dad, The Man, The Myth, The Legend.