Kevin Buford’s, I Got It All In My Little Shopping Mall, reflects his brilliance and gift for storytelling. In the tradition of his African ancestors, he embodies the spirit of the African Griot or storyteller by keeping his readers on the edge of their seats as they flip the pages of his book. This book takes on a ride through Staten Island Black history. It chronicles the rise of the smooth harmonies of the Force MD’s, it puts a spotlight on the Wu-Tang Clan mesmerizing the world with their hard hitting rap, it showcases the historic and unprecedented rise of Debi Rose being elected as the first Black to NYC Council representing Staten Island, etc. Simply put, this is a masterpiece and a must read because it offers a recipe for overcoming life’s challenges. In the face of persistent racism and New York City’s bureaucracy, Kevin Buford refused to succumb to anger, bitterness and defeat. Instead of focusing on his personal problems, he poured himself into fighting the injustice of Amadou Diallo, Abner Louima, the Central Park Five, Eric Garner, etc. Our nation will be better because of this book.
