About the Book

This book is the story of an African American man's strange love, and passion for anything nautically related. Book I of The Nautical Negro was written 10 years ago during my first stay in the New York State Prison system. When I took to writing Book One, I had never written anything before that time and was learning on the fly. So the stories in Book One reflect my limited experience in the craft of writing. Book One does, however, give a very clear picture of my nautical development and the progression I've made throughout the years.

Book II of The Nautical Negro was written during my last term of incarceration in 2009. Book II is a lot more comprehensive than Book I, and the development of the writing of Book II mirrors in many ways my evolution and development in the surf game. As you will read, they have both come a long way. Book II also delves pretty deeply into my spiritual development and the path I believe has been laid for me on this nautical journey I've undertaken.

Message to Readers

One message I do hope this book conveys is that no matter where you come from, no matter what your circumstances were coming up, never give up your dreams. You can make it happen in reality. The last and most important impression I hope to leave on the readers is never let anyone talk you out of your dreams, or tell you, you can't do something. My father always said there's no such word as can't! And that's how I always lived my life.

That message is especially important to get out in the African American community because all my life I heard people say I wasn't supposed to surf, or swim the way I did because I was black. And to me, that's the worst thing you can do to a developing young mind. Young brothers and sisters need to be encouraged to expand their minds, and indeed their horizons by letting natural talents blossom. They must be allowed to pursue whatever endeavor their young hearts and minds desire.

Brian BJ James
Author of The Nautical Negro!