Author Tells the Real Story of Race and Finding a Place to Belong with with Provocative New Memoir

Oct. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- San Diego, California (October 11, 2012) – Like many people, Devin C. Hughes knows what it is like to not belong.  Raised by a white mother and a black father, Hughes spent much of his childhood and young adult life trying to figure out where he fit in.  Adding to the confusion, Hughes' parents had their own problems.  His mother was a drug addict, his father, an alcoholic.  Hughes was a gifted student, yet he struggled with dyslexia.  His life was often a study of contradiction.

Now a successful speaker, coach and author, Hughes offers his experiences as inspiration in his raw, emotional memoir, Contrast: A Biracial Man's Journey to Desegregate His Past.

"Race and race relations are often discussed in private, but not in public," Hughes said.  In his book, Hughes explains the tension he felt as people made assumptions about him based on his skin color, whether they thought he was black or white—and how those people behaved towards him based on either assumption.  

While racial issues are an essential part of the book, the prevailing message is that of connectivity.  "Many people, regardless of race, feel disconnected from one another and feel that what makes them different somehow makes them wrong," said Hughes.  By reading about his struggles and eventual embracing of his heritage, he hopes others can also find their own peace.

Although Hughes spent many of his adult years not acknowledging his mixed race background, he began to realize that by speaking of his own confusion, he could be a catalyst for change.

By writing his memoir, Hughes said, he hopes to provide a bridge—a conduit to help people who are trying to connect and find a place where they belong.  "You can find a way or find an excuse, and I hope this book helps you find a way," he said.

Contrast is more than just one man's memoir, said Corey Blake, president of Round Table Companies and publisher of the book.  "It's about leadership, about identity, about race and parenting and values.  But mostly, it's about becoming whole…about fully taking ownership of your place in this world and using that as a springboard for a life that matters," Blake added.

Contrast: A Biracial Man's Journey to Desegregate His Past is available at major retailers such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon in paperback, Nook and Kindle versions.

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About Devin C. Hughes

For the past decade, Devin C. Hughes has been speaking, coaching and writing about personal development and organizational change.  In his role as Chief Inspiration Officer, Hughes helps schools, universities, associations and organizations discover and access their potential for change.  His website is www.devinchughes.com