Most mid state residents are used to seeing local communications specialist Clarence W. Thomas, Jr.’s articles in the Middle Georgia Informer newspaper, Macon Magazine and Georgia Trend Magazine, but he recently debuted his Macon Sister City trip inspired children’s book “My Little Light”.
The book is an adventure/morality tale featuring an eight-year-old African boy named Malik (King) out to do a good deed one Saturday morning. He is motivated by what he has witnessed a few adult vendors at the marketplace near his rural homestead doing for some time – donating their goods and services to fellow villagers that can’t afford them. The vendors include a basket weaver, an outdoor food stand chef, and physician.
“My Little Light” was conceived by Thomas in early 2008 following a Sister City trip to Elmina Ghana West Africa the previous summer with former Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis during his last year in office that included one other city employee and a small delegation from the Virgin Island. Ellis added Elmina along with two other international cities during his two terms (1999-2007) giving Macon a total of six Sister Cities.
Thomas says the week they spent in Elmina was so impressive, it indelibility marked him and left him desiring to bridge the gap between African and America in a way representative of what he witnessed and experienced while there. “We were treated with great reverence and respect while in Elmina. Everyone we encountered everywhere we went was warm and welcoming. It made the City of Macon sponsored school and medical supplies we delivered all the more important,” he added.
While “My Little Light” was created with children in mind, its message is universal and transcends age, race, religion, socioeconomics, and gender. The book sends a clear message as well that despite being challenged, we can make a difference in others lives when we are intent on doing so.
The book is anchored by Thomas’ thought provoking original tale, but benefits significantly from the pictures provided by Oahu, Hawaii based illustrator Francisco Polite. The former Army veteran says he draws inspiration from the beauty of other cultures and life and his aim is to evoke deep emotions and thought with every stroke of the pen. “My Little Light” was published by Macon based publisher Lily Inc.
“My Little Light” is available for purchase directly from the author or via Amazon. Middle Georgians will get a chance to meet and greet Thomas soon during a series of book signings beginning August 24 at Gottwals Book Store in Warner Robins (1903 Watson Blvd) at 11am. For more information about the book, author appearances, media interviews, and other related matters email visionary2003@gmail.com and thomasjr63@gmail.com.
