Step by Step: A Memoir of Living the American Dream by Bertie Bowman

by Bertie Bowman

A great American story of an ordinary man who is living an extraordinary life, Step by Step is the inspiring personal account of Bertie Bowman’s remarkable rise from farmer’s son in the Jim Crow South to hearing coordinator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the U.S. Capitol.In 1944, Bertie Bowman–a poor, impressionable thirteen-year-old kid, the fifth of fourteen siblings–heard South Carolina senator Burnet Maybank “If you all ever get up to Washington, D.C., drop by and see me!” Though Maybank was addressing a crowd of white constituents, Bertie took those words to heart–for they offered him an invitation to a new life, a chance to escape the drudgery of the family farm and his well-meaning yet stern father. Carrying only a flour sack and his meager savings pinned inside his shirt, Bertie set out for the city “up the road” to make his mark. Surprisingly true to his word, Senator Maybank saw to it that the young runaway had a place to stay and a steady income–earned by sweeping the Capitol steps for two dollars a week. Yet what started as a janitorial position, step by step, became so much more.For sixty years, Bertie Bowman stood at the epicenter of change and witnessed history in the the death of FDR, World War II, Brown v. Board of Education, the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, and Watergate. The perpetual recipient of unconditional kindness, he formed many enduring friendships with the unlikeliest of people. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Bill Clinton, Senator J. William Fulbright, and even segregationist senator Strom Thurmond have been among his greatest allies.But Bowman also, in his day, encountered prejudice and the “separate but equal” doctrine, and he observed firsthand the clandestine backroom deals made in the name of democracy. However, in the embrace of the large enclave of Southern blacks who populated Washington, D.C., Bowman maintained a spirit of hopefulness. With each step, his can-do attitude made him a star, mentor, and community leader, and a strong advocate for the unsung staffers who took great pride in doing their part to keep the Capitol’s wheels turning.Work hard. Be true to yourself. Take responsibility. Have a positive outlook. Expect the best from people. These are the beliefs that Bertie Bowman lives by–and as he shares his story, he also shares the lessons and values that have served him well throughout his life and career.

Genres: Nonfiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Swhe641200 · Rating 4 out of 5]

9.2014. Read for WT 2nd ward book group. Very good story about a bkack boy who did not want to stayon the fsrm. Wanted more out of life. Run away to Washington DC. Started sweeping the steps of ghe capital building and stayed for over forty years. Good story.

[Lara Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and beautifully written life story!! What an amazing career in a time when not thought possible. If only the world we live in today was filled with ALL of the kind people that helped Bertie, from his early age in DC and throughout his life. Thank you to Bertie and his amazing wife, Elaine, for sharing this story with the world! I loved this book!

[Dewin Anguas Barnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story.

[Mary Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the Capitol.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Step By Step: A Memoir of Living the American Dream by Bertie Bowman, we learn how a 13 year-old black boy left his home in Summerton, South Carolina in 1944 and claimed the American dream for himself. Bowman heard South Carolina Senator Burnet Maybank state, “If you all ever get up to Washington, D.C., drop by and see me.” Never mind that Senator Maybank was addressing a white crowd, this was all the impetus Bowman needed to leave his father’s farm and the drudgery of farming, which he did not want to be his life career. Bowman takes on his extraordinary journey from sweeping the steps of the U.S. Capitol to being the hearing coordinator for the Senate Relations Committee.

During the 60 years the memoir covers, Bowman is an eyewitness for the events that have shaped our country; death of FDR, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, and Watergate and learned all about the backroom dealings of politics. One of the interesting aspects of the book was Bowman’s relationships with some of the staunchest segregationists of his time. While many may not agree with these relationships, you will admire his integrity and respect that existed on both sides of these relationships.

This is an inspiring story with life lessons we can all learn from. Bowman bases his success on hard work, taking responsibility, a positive outlook and expecting and giving the best to people. I recommend this book to all readers who enjoy reading memoirs.

Reviewed by Beverly
APOOO BookClub
October 18, 2009

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Mr. Bowman talking about his book on NPR last year, and I finally tracked down a copy to read.

It's an excellent memoir, giving a good overview of his life and of the work he's done in Washington DC since he was 13. Mr. Bowman's story is an inspirational one, and he's done a lot for a lot of people in his community over the years (especially young people). Well worth a read if you're at all interested in life inside DC.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great reminder that history is made when everyday moments are lived and experienced by many different people. We are all complex, sometimes contradictory creatures (Strom Thurmond!) and this peek into the inner workings of the Capitol during the tumultuous integration era is especially revealing. While Bowman is not an incredibly polished writer, his life story is inspiring and he certainly knows how to tell it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Bowman's story is remarkable. He was a poor boy growing up on a farm, hating his limited life. He ran away from home at the age of 13 to Washington, D.C. of all places!

His biography is a look at life before, during, and after the Civil Rights revolution of the '60s.

It's also a look at life "downstairs" at the Capitol.

A gentle, sweet, uplifting read.

[Maureen Flatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Bowman for many years. His book is a story of dignity, determination and persistence.His story stands with many other distinguished titles in the canon of civil rights sagas, modern American history and memoirs.