"It's Because They Were Black: 100 Years of Fraud and Forgery"

CHICAGO - Jan. 8, 2020 - PRLog -- "It's Because They Were Black: 100 Years of Fraud and Forgery" shines a light on the ills of the past. In his book, singer/songwriter Syl Johnson brings awareness to the generational wealth lost by America's black community over the years. And this story is not unique to the author's family.

Besides being an author, Johnson is proud to be one of 14 honorees to be inducted May 6 into The Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame's 41st class. The ceremony in Memphis will encompass nearly a century of music, spanning from 1920s stars Victoria Spivey and Bertha "Chippie" Hill to contemporary luminaries including Johnson, Bettye LaVette, and Billy Branch. For more information, see:

https://blues.org/news-blues-hall-of-fame-2020-inductees-named-bettye-layette-syl-johnson-victoria-spivey-eddie-boyd-george-smith-billy-branch-ralph-peer/

In his book, Johnson shares his struggle to reclaim his ancestors' land, and how he had to fight for the rights to his own music. His story depicts the underhanded motives of others as well as how long-ago injustices can impact the wealth of subsequent generations.

He asks: How can one reclaim wealth that has been stolen? His call to action begins by presenting documented proof of collusion and deceitful behavior by government officials and others in the community.

Without acknowledging these injustices, history can easily repeat itself.

About the Author: Syl Johnson is a Grammy-nominated blues and soul singer/songwriter who for decades has captured audiences with his soulful voice. With roots in Chicago from the 1950s, the performer played alongside notable blues artists such as Junior Wells and Howlin' Wolf. His hits include "Different Strokes," "Take Me to the River," "Is It Because I'm Black," and "Come on Sock It to Me." His influence is still felt in music today and his personal story of triumph in the music industry and the fight for getting the respect and credit he worked for continues to inspire many. Learn more about his foundation by writing to 3473 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Suite 506, Chicago, IL 60616.

IT'S BECAUSE THEY WERE BLACK: 100 YEARS OF FRAUD AND FORGERY is now available in Hardback (ISBN: 978-1-951530-43-3) for $21.95 or Softback (ISBN: 978-1-951530-07-5) for $9.95 and can be ordered through the publisher's website:

www.sbprabooks.com/SylJohnson or at your favorite book seller.

WHOLESALERS: This book is distributed by Ingram Books and other wholesale distributors. Contact your representative with the ISBN for purchase. Wholesale purchase for retailers, universities, libraries, and other organizations is also available through the publisher; please email bookorder@sbpra.net.