Product Description

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 declare: “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 making: 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.


From the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80040 in eBooks
• Published on: 2008-05-13
• Released on: 2008-05-13
• Format: Kindle Book
• Number of items: 1

Review
“A great American story by a frontline witness to history.” —Vice President Joseph Biden

“This is a marvelous and inspiring story about a man who, despite a difficult early life, did not lose faith in himself or other people. He is a person many of us aspire to be like–but often fall short of.” —Barbara F. Allem, former chief clerk, Committee on Foreign Relations

“Bertie’s integrity, work ethic, and good humor have earned him the trust and friendship of several generations of senators. His longevity in the Senate is a remarkable accomplishment, and he is one of the best-known and revered staffers within the Senate family.”—Senator Richard Lugar

“Inspiring . . . a heartfelt, old-school American history lesson.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A fascinating read . . . I highly recommend it.”—Tavis Smiley, PBS


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Review
“A great American story by a frontline witness to history.” —Vice President Joseph Biden

“This is a marvelous and inspiring story about a man who, despite a difficult early life, did not lose faith in himself or other people. He is a person many of us aspire to be like–but often fall short of.” —Barbara F. Allem, former chief clerk, Committee on Foreign Relations

“Bertie’s integrity, work ethic, and good humor have earned him the trust and friendship of several generations of senators. His longevity in the Senate is a remarkable accomplishment, and he is one of the best-known and revered staffers within the Senate family.”—Senator Richard Lugar

“Inspiring . . . a heartfelt, old-school American history lesson.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A fascinating read . . . I highly recommend it.”—Tavis Smiley, PBS


From the Trade Paperback edition.

About the Author
Bertie Bowman has served as hearing coordinator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since 2000, when the executive appointment of then committee chairman Jesse Helms brought him back to the Senate after a ten-year hiatus. Before his retirement in 1990, Bertie Bowman had worked for the Foreign Relations Committee for twenty-five years, first as committee clerk and then as assistant hearing coordinator. He owns and operates Bertie’s Limousine Service, a chauffeur company that provides services for Washington VIPs, foreign diplomats, and others in and around the metropolitan D.C. area. Bowman is an elected member of the board of directors of the Senate Federal Credit Union, a member of the D.C. Board of Funeral Directors, and active in many community volunteer organizations.

Customer Reviews

Long Time Friend
I have known Bertie for 35 years, since I was a messenger on the Foreign Relations Committee. Years ago, Bertie told me some of the stories in the book; I witnessed many; and I knew about many more. Bertie used to introduce me as his cousin to his friends in the Senate, to their surprise. I leave it to the reader to guess my color.

I never learned more than when I worked for Bertie. If a reader wants to understand the backstage workings of the Senate, they will read this book.

Classic Memoir
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.

Fabulous
I highly recommend this excellent memoir by a person who overcame very humble beginnings to create a wonderful and successful life. His success was attained through hard work, a work ethic you don't see much nowadays, an enthusiasm that was contagious and came through in the book, and his courage, honesty and humility. I saw the interview with Bertie on "Sixty Minutes" and just had to buy his book. His story is fascinating, especially the parts about some public figures you might consider racist who were friends with him, helped him, and were very kind to him. This book will make you feel good and may even inspire you.