Memoirs of an African-American Navigator: Breaking Barriers - A Mariner’s Journey from Prejudice to Purpose: The First African American Deck Graduate

Breaking Barriers - A Mariner’s Journey from Prejudice to Purpose

The First African American Deck Graduate of Cal Poly Maritime

Following the civil rights era, a determined young man walked through the gates of the California Maritime Academy with no roadmap - only will, grit, and a dream. Keith Lawrence would go on to become the Academy’s first African American Deck graduate, stepping into a world few people of color had ever entered.

Memoirs of an African-American Navigator takes readers aboard oil tankers, break-bulk freighters, container ships and war-zone supply vessels as Lawrence travels the world as a Merchant Mariner. From storms at sea to weapons-cargo missions during the Gulf War, rescue operations, international ports, shipboard conflict, and friendships forged across cultures - this memoir is both history and human experience.

More than a story of the sea, this is a journey of confronting prejudice externally and internally - discovering purpose, forgiveness, and growth while breaking barriers in a challenging industry.

What readers and mariners are saying:

＂The first African American Deck graduate of Cal Maritime, Lawrence gives us a valuable contribution to American maritime history - global voyages, conflict, growth, and the life of a mariner who broke barriers.＂ - Capt. Christopher Edyvean, Former AMMV National President

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ＂A rare, brave account - a journey into a world of danger, struggle, and growth.＂ - Amazon Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ＂Harsh realities and explosive content... an inspiring story of compassion, dignity, and survival.＂ - Amazon Review

A powerful memoir of courage, American maritime history, and life at sea - and a reminder that determination can turn barriers into purpose.