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Diesel Heart: An Autobiography
The doctors gathered around, passing the stethoscope from hand to hand, taking turns listening to my chest. Finally, the lead doctor said, "Now, that's what I call a heartbeat!"
I snapped, "Whaddaya mean?"
"It's like hearing a diesel engine inside a Mustang body," he said.
Melvin Whitfield Carter Jr., the father of St. Paul's current mayor, is a true son of Rondo, the city's storied African American neighborhood. He was born in a city divided along racial lines and rich in cultural misunderstanding. Growing up in the 1950s and '60s, he witnessed the destruction of his neighborhood by the I-94 freeway—and he found his way to fighting and trouble.
But Carter turned his life around. As a young man, he enlisted in the US Navy. He used his fighting ability to survive racist treatment, winning boxing matches and respect. And as an affirmative action hire in the St. Paul Police Department, facing prejudice at every turn, this hardworking, talented, and highly principled officer fought to protect the people of the city he calls home.
Diesel Heart is the story of a leader who created a powerful family legacy by standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
I snapped, "Whaddaya mean?"
"It's like hearing a diesel engine inside a Mustang body," he said.
Melvin Whitfield Carter Jr., the father of St. Paul's current mayor, is a true son of Rondo, the city's storied African American neighborhood. He was born in a city divided along racial lines and rich in cultural misunderstanding. Growing up in the 1950s and '60s, he witnessed the destruction of his neighborhood by the I-94 freeway—and he found his way to fighting and trouble.
But Carter turned his life around. As a young man, he enlisted in the US Navy. He used his fighting ability to survive racist treatment, winning boxing matches and respect. And as an affirmative action hire in the St. Paul Police Department, facing prejudice at every turn, this hardworking, talented, and highly principled officer fought to protect the people of the city he calls home.
Diesel Heart is the story of a leader who created a powerful family legacy by standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2019
16 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 23, 2021
Man's greatness consists in his ability to do, and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done. - Frederick Douglass
The moving finger writes; and having writ, moves on. - Omar Khayyam
But nothing could have been more validating than haters working so hard at hating. Now it was affirmation, confirmation, even flattery.
Asking God for a sign and getting the message.
Dad's creed was to work and study as if our lives depended on it. Education, working, and survival are synonymous! There is no difference!
Black Panthers, Malcom X and the Revolution
White people believe in the law and trust the police because both work on their behalf. Blacks have never had the protection guaranteed by the Constitution, never enjoyed the presumption of innocence, never trusted the police.
Your own deed become your own results.
You will enjoy your childhood or else!
He was alive and would not be beaten or abused. It was my favorite arrest.
Old dirt was for burials/
The moving finger writes; and having writ, moves on. - Omar Khayyam
But nothing could have been more validating than haters working so hard at hating. Now it was affirmation, confirmation, even flattery.
Asking God for a sign and getting the message.
Dad's creed was to work and study as if our lives depended on it. Education, working, and survival are synonymous! There is no difference!
Black Panthers, Malcom X and the Revolution
White people believe in the law and trust the police because both work on their behalf. Blacks have never had the protection guaranteed by the Constitution, never enjoyed the presumption of innocence, never trusted the police.
Your own deed become your own results.
You will enjoy your childhood or else!
He was alive and would not be beaten or abused. It was my favorite arrest.
Old dirt was for burials/
March 8, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable and eye opening memoir about growing up as a black man in St. Paul, MN in the 60’s, going into the Navy during the Vietnam War, and then working as a police officer. Mr. Carter has an exuberant voice throughout the memoir. It sounds like he dealt gracefully with the racism he encountered daily, but he also conveys a strong sense of his frustration with it. The stories he has to tell of his treatment by fellow police officers and superiors in the police force are the most appalling of all, and he doesn’t shrink from showing the indifference with which they repeatedly exposed him to unnecessary danger and then rebuked him for complaining.
I found reading this book to be a little like reading the adventures of a superhero— on the edge of my seat when he was facing danger, with the tiny spark of knowledge that things would turn out OK held safe in a back corner of my mind. I cheered Carter on and admired his irrepressible spirit as I read.
Another plus for this book is that it was a great way to learn a little recent history about my city, Saint Paul, and the Rondo neighborhood which was leveled to make way for Interstate 94.
I found reading this book to be a little like reading the adventures of a superhero— on the edge of my seat when he was facing danger, with the tiny spark of knowledge that things would turn out OK held safe in a back corner of my mind. I cheered Carter on and admired his irrepressible spirit as I read.
Another plus for this book is that it was a great way to learn a little recent history about my city, Saint Paul, and the Rondo neighborhood which was leveled to make way for Interstate 94.
April 26, 2019
Who knew such an amazing man lived in my city? I know Mr. Carter mainly through work with his son, Mayor Melvin Carter. Now, I feel like I know Mr. Carter on a whole new level. I loved learning about his life and a perspective of the city I know live in. I can't believe the hostilities he had to endure in such recent times in professionals that vows to serve and protect (military and police). You hear the stories but don't want to believe it.
Mr. Carter's experiences are often similar to all of ours (friends goofing off, not doing well in school, feeling alone) and at the same time dramatically different (fist fights after school, punching an Olympic boxing champ, running into a life or death police situation). I appreciate Mr. Carter taking the time to tell his impressive story.
Mr. Carter's experiences are often similar to all of ours (friends goofing off, not doing well in school, feeling alone) and at the same time dramatically different (fist fights after school, punching an Olympic boxing champ, running into a life or death police situation). I appreciate Mr. Carter taking the time to tell his impressive story.
October 10, 2019
Absolutely one of the most excellent books I’ve read this year! Mr Melvin Carter the 2nd is a hell of a writer with a lot of heart, and his life story was chock full of fascinating stories and accounts from childhood, into his adulthood. Reading his account of growing up in Rondo, being a Black man in the Navy and the St Paul PD and experiencing shocking (but not surprising) amounts of racism in those institutions, and leaving such positive impacts in the community of St. Paul through his work fighting racial injustice - all provided me with profound perspective that continues to expand my understanding of what it meant and means to be Black in Minnesota. Highly recommend this fantastic read!
July 21, 2020
The voice, Melvin Carter Jr, is so strong in this book. It was easy to keep reading it. Even if I cannot stand boxing or fist fights. It’s an incredible story and I felt like I could see a young man grow up and then become an incredible mentor for so many people. It was also fun to know the neighborhoods he was talking about. I’m eager to see what the MN History Theatre does as they create this book into a play. Melvin Carter Junior’s son is currently the mayor of Saint Paul.
May 7, 2021
Melvin Carter III (the author's son) is the mayor of St. Paul, but there were some pillars of the community preceding him, among them the author, a Vietnam-era veteran and long-time St. Paul, Minn., policeman, and his mother, a county commissioner.
Carter Jr. probably wasn't anyone's sure bet for success. He failed the second and the third grades at St. Peter Claver, a Catholic school serving primarily Black children. After struggling to earn his high school diploma, he served in the US Navy where his pugilistic skills helped him get by despite the antagonism of the White men he served with. It turned out that being a policeman in a city force under court order to hire more people of color was no picnic either. But Carter learned a lot that he employed to improve the lives around him. He developed his own ways of de-escalating dangerous situations and founded Save Our Sons, a community group dedicated to guiding young Black men in the neighborhood.
Despite the challenges, Carter has served his community, protected and enjoyed his family, and found much and many to love.
Carter Jr. probably wasn't anyone's sure bet for success. He failed the second and the third grades at St. Peter Claver, a Catholic school serving primarily Black children. After struggling to earn his high school diploma, he served in the US Navy where his pugilistic skills helped him get by despite the antagonism of the White men he served with. It turned out that being a policeman in a city force under court order to hire more people of color was no picnic either. But Carter learned a lot that he employed to improve the lives around him. He developed his own ways of de-escalating dangerous situations and founded Save Our Sons, a community group dedicated to guiding young Black men in the neighborhood.
Despite the challenges, Carter has served his community, protected and enjoyed his family, and found much and many to love.
December 30, 2020
Very enjoyable book that kept me turning the pages until I finished. Great autobiography and snapshot of a time, place and culture. Told with honesty and heart.
May 29, 2020
An incredible read, a book that does nothing but get better and better as master storyteller, Melvin Carter, Jr., spins his tale. The stories are vivid, sometimes raw, and always from the heart. The stories about growing up and living in inner-city St. Paul with racism, poverty and also with pride of strong culture and family touched my heart. Looking inside the St. Paul Police Department with Carter's sharp insights was fascinating. I could have done with a few less boxing match descriptions so skimmed over those. The final chapter is the most powerful, when Carter weaves all the story threads together in a beautiful and masterful way. Possibly what I loved the most about this book is how the author shares his emotions and vulnerabilities, giving hope to young people who also have difficult lives or learning disabilities. Although this book is timeless, it also was a perfect fit for me to read just when Minnesotans are rioting over the senseless police killing of a non-violent black man.
December 27, 2021
A colleague handed me this book after I mentioned living in St Paul and voting for Mayor Carter. This memoir (by the mayor's dad) captures the sight, sound and homey feel of an area mere blocks from my house today. It's clear that Melvin Carter Junior's affection for Saint Paul is real and his care in describing the setting is immense.
But, naturally, the story goes far beyond simply setting a stage. Melvin Carter Junior reflects on the conflicting and confounding experiences in being a black man in a mostly white world. From being a challenging student in the Catholic school, to an electrician in the Navy, to a police officer on the streets of St. Paul, Carter's stories are engaging and often exciting.
His style is more of an old pal swapping stories with his friends than a polished writer, but the genuine feel is preferable to an authorial affectation. It may not be in demand beyond our zip code but it is a fun book for those in our market.
But, naturally, the story goes far beyond simply setting a stage. Melvin Carter Junior reflects on the conflicting and confounding experiences in being a black man in a mostly white world. From being a challenging student in the Catholic school, to an electrician in the Navy, to a police officer on the streets of St. Paul, Carter's stories are engaging and often exciting.
His style is more of an old pal swapping stories with his friends than a polished writer, but the genuine feel is preferable to an authorial affectation. It may not be in demand beyond our zip code but it is a fun book for those in our market.
August 4, 2019
This is most interesting, especially I would think for people living in St. Paul. The life story of this most interesting man is told bluntly, and apparently from the heart. His experiences are too far removed for me to really imagine, but he brought as much to life them as possible in this book. It is very sobering to consider the racism/white supremacy at the heart of so many of his difficulties in every phase of life, but at the same time, it is appropriate that he describes this in a straightforward way while avoiding becoming either preacher or victim. His voice is very genuine and credible.
December 19, 2019
If you've ever met Melvin Carter Jr., it's quickly apparent that he likes to talk. He tells stories and can jump from one topic to the next, always passionate and brutally honest. He has a raw voice that doesn't sugar coat anything. Which makes his story of growing up in the latter half of the 20th century in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood gripping. He encounters a lifetime of racism, from St. Paul's gutting of the Rondo neighborhood to serving in the Navy during Vietnam to serving on St. Paul's mostly white police force for 28 years. It's a memoir with a lot of heart and character.
February 18, 2023
A remarkable story by the father of the current St. Paul Mayor, of the same name. Growing up in Rondo, a boy with energy that never quits, quick to anger, loyal, and fortunate in his parents and family. He fails and repeats both second and third grade, but his mother devotes herself to getting him up to grade in reading and math. He escapes the fate of so many black boys and spends his tour in the Navy in Morocco. Constantly treated shamefully by racist white Marines and Navy men, he establishes his dominance in fighting and earns the respect of decent men. After a stint in the corporate world, he joins the police and suffers the same humiliation and unfair treatment, but by now he has a strong sense of his own dignity and power. He faces challenges and trials, escaping through the grace of God, he is convinced. As a family man, he achieves his greatest success and demonstrates the strength of character and humility that makes his story a revelation and an inspiration. Highly recommended.
February 7, 2024
I think this was the perfect coming to age book. Background on me: I usually don’t like coming of age movies so I’m naturally biased against them. But this book changed my perspective on it and now I’m willing to try more books and movies like it. If I would describe this book in one word it would be WHOLESOME. Each part of Melvin Carter’s life felt real and authentic. It didn’t feel exaggerated or like fluff. I also loved how he reflected on all the decisions he made and how it impacted his life and showed how other decisions would have drastically changed it. Often, we forget the power we wield with the power of choice. We don’t let our intuition, life experience and knowledge guild us in making decisions and let outside factors decide for us. Also I love Melvin Carter’s voice in the book. The way he wrote kept me hooked and intrigued wondering what obstacle he was going to face off against.
July 10, 2020
Carter gives a very complete picture of what it’s like on a daily basis to grow up as an African American male in the 20th century and beyond. His strength of character and faith in God were the two assets that allowed him to overcome the daily grind of racial prejudice and hatred. Amazing accounts. Carter’s commitment to his children has come back to him tenfold including nurturing a son who is now mayor of St Paul MN...although a bit repetitious at times, it serves to give the reader a glimpse into just how tedious constant vigilance and defensiveness can be. Perfect for this time in history...
November 10, 2020
The writing is very casual, which makes for easy reading. The first half of the book was interesting in the sense of understanding where he came from, but not an unusual upbringing. The second half of the book focused on his time in the Navy and Police Department and was fascinating and disturbing. The rampant racism in both was hard to read and then I remembered how much harder it is for those actually experiencing it. This book was another step in my journey to open my eyes to white privilege, systemic racism, and white supremacism that continues in our society. The last few chapters were the best - it was good to learn about the great community service that continues in this family.
January 6, 2020
Amazing story of an incredible man
I am looking forward to meeting him at our book club meeting tomorrow.
He survived blatant overt and covert racism and discrimination. The stories were interesting but infuriating. I greatly admire his self discipline, although lacking at times when younger. He is a great example of determination and persistence.
I highly recommend reading his stories to understand what it was/is to live as a black man in America.
The story is set in Saint Paul where I currently live. His son was recently elected mayor.
I am looking forward to meeting him at our book club meeting tomorrow.
He survived blatant overt and covert racism and discrimination. The stories were interesting but infuriating. I greatly admire his self discipline, although lacking at times when younger. He is a great example of determination and persistence.
I highly recommend reading his stories to understand what it was/is to live as a black man in America.
The story is set in Saint Paul where I currently live. His son was recently elected mayor.
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July 5, 2022Autobiography of Melvin Carter Jr., Alan's old buddy from the SPPD, who grew up in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood. He recounts adventures of his childhood, his time in the Navy, his recruitment to the SPPD & his experiences during a time when the department was under a court order to increase the number of officers of color. An interesting account but Alan said he is not sure about the accuracy of some of the story. Melvin's son, Melvin Carter III was elected mayor of St. Paul in 2018 & again in 2021.
July 7, 2019
I love this book. He writes as he would have spoken at different ages, so the stories really bring the reader into each moment. Beyond being “a great read” full of fantastic stories, it’s an important look at a side of Twin Cities history that isn’t often acknowledged. I am grateful to Melvin Carter for sharing it with us.
August 10, 2021
I initially found it a little hard to get into because of his style. “The aromas of barbecue and wildflowers clashed, danced, and blended…” As I kept reading, so many stories sounded like tall tales. He’s like Paul Bunyan himself. But in the end I really enjoyed his story and his attitude, and looking up the street names he mentions and realizing they’re just a few miles away.
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December 31, 2023Poorly written but a good story and easy read. Having started out life in the Selby-Dale neighborhood, I enjoyed the references to all the places and neighborhoods with which I am familiar. I wish the writing had been better and more organized. 2.5 stars.
April 14, 2024
Mind blowing. Opened my eyes to so much that is going on in black/white relations. Online reading biographies (especially autobiographies) and this one was riveting. If you are interested in boxing, the job of being police officers, or fighting against racism, you’ll love this book!
May 9, 2019
Impressive, vibrant, scathing, uplifting, painful, authentic, demoralizing, overcoming, poetic, raw.
May 19, 2019
A must read for any St. Paulite. Gives personal gutsy story of life in the city for the African American community.
November 22, 2019
Fascinating read
Having grown up in Saint Paul during much of this era, and knowing the lore from another view point, I was delighted by the book.
Having grown up in Saint Paul during much of this era, and knowing the lore from another view point, I was delighted by the book.
November 27, 2019
Talented writer with a gripping story at times and a knack for illustrating voice
January 16, 2021
Wonderful.
June 25, 2021
Autobiography of the father of the current mayor of St.Paul.
February 2, 2021
Found this book totally engrossing. A fascinating life, a well-told story, moments of shock, sorrow, awe, St. Paul history, love, and humor are all there. Loved this glimpse into the life of a St. Paul pillar. Appreciate so much this family’s contributions to our community, and every St. Paul resident should read this! I was prompted to read it by seeing the recent story about Mary Gardner’s death, and Mr. Carter’s statements about her. The book radiates appreciation and generosity. I admire the Carter family.
June 30, 2020
Excellent. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews