Black Sheep

A Blue-Eyed Negro Speaks of Abandonment, Belonging, Racism, and Redemption

By: Ray Studevent, My Haley PhD - afterword

Narrated by: Sean Crisden

Ray Studevent grew up between two worlds. Born to a white, heroin-addicted mother and Black, violently alcoholic father, the odds were stacked against him from day one. When his parents abandoned him at the age of five, after living in a world no child should experience, he was saved from the foster-care system by his father's uncle Calvin, who offered him stability and a loving home. When Calvin tragically died two years later, it was up to his widow, Lemell, to raise Ray. But this was no easy task. Lemell grew up in the brutality of segregated Mississippi, emotionally scarred and justifiably resenting white people. Now, she must confront these demons as she raises a mixed-race child - white on the outside, Black on the inside - on the eastern side of the Anacostia River, the blackest part of the Blackest city in America.

As Dr. My Haley, the widow of Roots author Alex Haley, wrote in the foreword for Black Sheep, "Ray's pathway to manhood came not through the people who taught him what to do, but through the woman who taught him how to be, even as she learned for herself how to be." At a time when we are all reexamining the complex issues of race, identity, disenfranchisement, and belonging, this compelling true story shows us what is possible when we trust our hearts and follow the path of love.

©2021 Ray Studevent (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Heartfelt!

Boy your book took me back into the values, and upbringing of my parents and my Big ma. Your story has encouraged me to write my story! Not sure where or how to start, but I’ll figure it out! Thank you for sharing!

Knowing your Roots

I loved this book because the setting and story I can relate too in so many ways. I can remember trying to find my way in life coming up in this world regardless where I lived and who raised me. I always felt like the black sheep in my life but going through the obstacles came my way, I’m still standing. I can share my stories with my daughter and grandchildren’s so they can understand regardless what pathway you choose in life good or bad you never regret nothing because you’re going to engage in some things in your journey that will give you a lesson or experience that you can learn from. Awesome book.

Tragically heartwarming

One of my favorite books ever. The author, Ray Studevent, vividly takes you on a journey from his unfortunate early childhood into his wayward early adulthood onto redemption. I felt connected to the characters and emotions throughout the entire story. Truly a great story about love and family. Sean Crisden did a wonderful job narrating. I recommend this book to anyone trying to find themselves and all those that love a great story.

Captivating! Holds your attention completely!

Rays’ story is incredibly riveting. It deals with many hardships and pain. He talks about deep wounds and things some people would not dare to reveal. There is pain, oppression, mental anguish, heartbreaking events and moments where you just wonder if there is any redemption. I did not put down this book from the moment I began to read it until it was finished. He is a great story teller and is great at describing the personalities of all those mentioned who impacted his life, I became partial to Misses Mel. I believe all who read this book will as well. She is a person I would be intimidated to meet, yet can’t resist to admire her clever responses. This book should truly become a movie!
The author read a small excerpt in his book during a video podcast interview and I knew I had to get this book. Glad I did! If your like me and need tangible reads but want to hear the tone of the setting and characters, then recommend to follow the book with the audio and it is as if Ray himself is telling you his story.