Quiet Strong: First African American Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diver

Tired of living by Jim Crow laws in the southern state of Mississippi, teenager Sherman Byrd wants nothing more than to discover God's purpose for his life. The youngest son of sharecroppers, determined to walk by faith and not by sight, Byrd's journey leads him down a path where he becomes a pioneer in one of the most dangerous jobs known to mankind. Disarming bombs.

A silent oath. A vow unspoken. Explosive ordnance disposal divers do not tell war stories. But the truth cannot stay buried. The life story of Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Sherman Byrd, the first African American Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diver in the United States Navy, is as honest as it is fascinating.

Cynthia Byrd Conner is the daughter of Sherman and Louise Byrd. Recently retired, she was employed by the Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, Southeast Regional Maintenance Center as a Management and Program Analyst in the Engineering Department. A 1983 graduate of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard's apprenticeship program in Non Destructive Testing, she was certified in ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid dye penetrant testing. She has over 26 years of experience in ship maintenance and repair. Furthering her education, she graduated from Florida State College at Jacksonville, with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management.

Cindy is a member of the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates, a 501c organization that educates, mentors, and provides scholarships for minorities from all over the world so that they can attend the State University of New York Maritime College. She is also a member of the Florida Writers Association and the Military Writers Society of America.

Married to Alton M. Conner for over thirty five years, they continue to joyfully strive to fulfill God's will for their lives. God has blessed them with a daughter, son, son-in-law, and granddaughter. They all reside in the beautiful city of Jacksonville, Florida.