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!
SAMUEL G. PURYEAR, JR. was born in Winston-Salem, NC and is an honors graduate of Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. His coaching career includes Stanford University, Michigan State University, Queens University of Charlotte, and Howard University. He became the first African-American Head Coach at a Power Five Conference university. (MSU 2008) Puryear's coaching career culminated in a national championship, a Big Ten Championship, two Coach of the Year honors, two Conference Carolina Titles and two South Atlantic Conference championships. More than 10 of Puryear's former players have played in at least one PGA Tour event. Puryear has been recognized by several media outlets as a prominent spokesperson on the future of minorities in golf. His work with student-athletes has been featured on ESPN, Inside the PGA TOUR and the Disney Channel. Puryear is dedicated to maximizing potential in the young people he has worked with and is an advocate for education and professional growth. He found a niche in developing golfers and mentoring new coaches, directing junior golf clinics and camps, adult golf instruction and speaking at private corporate outings. He is also a recurring facilitator and coach for Nike's golf camps in the southeast region. Puryear started his career in 1998 as the Executive Director of the East lake Junior Golf Academy in Atlanta, Ga. He directly impacted the revitalization of the East Lake neighborhood, which at one time was saturated with crime. He shared this inspiring story in his new book, Diamonds in the Rough. Currently, Puryear is the Director of Golf for Howard University and is President of Pure Swing Golf Solutions, LLC. To learn more, visit https: //puryeargolf.com.
