Samuel L. Woodard, Ed.D., of Gloucester has compiled and edited a collection of inspirational memoirs about overcoming adversity.

"Six Successful Black Men: Habits from Poverty to Prosperity" includes the story of Woodard’s own experience as an orphan who rose above difficult circumstances to excel in academics and sports during high school, to graduate from Lincoln University, and eventually to become a professor and co-founder of the Ph.D. program in educational administration at Howard University.

Woodard gives a lot of credit for his success to his older sister, who at the age of 15 took on the task of raising her three younger siblings after their parents died. Through tough love, she instilled in them a sense of morality, a strong work ethic, and the determination to achieve their goals.

Also included in the book is the story of retired public school administrator William E. Evans of Gloucester, who tells of being raised in dire poverty by his mother and g...