"Was I Your First?: Progression of America's First African-American General Manager for a Major Brand Hotel in USA History" by Derk R. Mattocks Derk Mattocks was raised during a peak time of social justice movements in the United States. Rather than shy away, he challenged his circumstances and refused to let them dictate his life. Despite the marginalization and systemic racism of the Jim Crow era, Derk's innate resilience and determination led him to break barriers in a career field previously inaccessible to people of color. Reflecting on his childhood, Derk credits his success to the genuine, nurturing, and diligent support of his schoolteachers and community role models. They prepared him for any path he chose, teaching him how to assess and act on his findings. Derk believes that mentoring and insightful guidance are crucial for reaching one's greatest potential. " Was I Your First? " is a powerful memoir that chronicles Derk's journey to becoming the first African-American General Manager of a major brand hotel in U.S. history. It is a testament to his perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the ongoing fight for dignity and respect in the face of adversity.