Book 29: Streets Paved with Gold

A young reporter reads the obituary of one of the earliest black doctors in the country. In the article, there is a reference to an even earlier doctor, presumably the pioneer. The pioneer would have come from a poor background and must have struggled and overcome huge obstacles. In those days, there were no medical schools for blacks. The reporter recognizes the potential for an inspiring story. However, details about the person are virtually non-existent. The person’s name is not even known let alone whether he or she is still alive. The reporter becomes obsessed with her project. She follows up several leads which end in failure. Even if the doctor is no longer alive, she believes it would still be worthwhile interviewing friends or family. Eventually, she takes the plunge and goes off on safari into the countryside. Her voyage of discovery becomes a voyage of self-discovery. She and the doctor, separated by more than fifty years, by culture and by upbringing, turn out to be remarkably similar.