Eyes to My Soul: The Rise or Decline of a Black FBI Agent

by Tyrone Powers

Book Overview

A trenchant expose of the inside workings of the FBI which reveals - with numerous examples - the extraordinarily severe problems of racism experienced by black officers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0912469331
• ISBN13: 9780912469331
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Majority Press
• Length: 487 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Required reading for African-Americans and others in empathy

I have been an avid reader for about two years. I always enjoyed reading but not as much as I have since I started reading mostly books from Oprah's list or the literature of African and African American authors. I bought this book shortly after my son-in-law expressed a long held desire to become an FBI agent. Since he is from Haiti and is not very knowledgeable about the opression faced by American blacks. I thought that this would be a big mistake. Eyes To MY Soul not only confirmed by belief, but gave me quite an enlightening experience. It gives a powerful reminder of what our ghetto brothers and sisters face each and every day. Even more importantly, it is an autobiography so it does not give you alot of trumped up horror stories just for shock value. Mr. Powers LIVED THIS LIFE, and was able to rise up from his childhood circumstances and uplift others of his race with him. I admire and respect this man highly and consider it a privilege to have read his book. I have been telling everyone about how great this book is and especially my son-in-law. At present he is pursuing a masters degree in Informational Technology so he hardly has time to read anything else. However, I intend to keep after him until he has read this excellent story of a Black man's struggle to rise above racial confines.

"It cuts like a double edge sword"

You don't realize until someone brings it to your attention, that the pain and suffering is real and not something that is made up. As a black man living in America, I feel tremendous pressure from two internal forces; the spirte of an ex-slave screaming for revenge, and the act of suppressing that slave. This brings about much pain and suffering that lives deep within my soul. The book delivers me to the depths that I denie so much. It awakens my soul, therefore, if a novel can do this to a hard core former Marine, then it is a gift from God. The novel provides a way out, the stories are real and in great detail. Every word that is written was important, and from what I learned from Mr. Powers expressed word, what was NOT said is most important. I got a chance to re- discover what was not understood, and now, I was able to find a sence of comfort and a sence of urgentcey. Eyes To My Soul delivers a powerful message to it's readers.

an excellent book ,definitely required reading,a masterpiece

The minute you pick up this book, you will not want to put it down,Mr powers really captures the readers interest from the onset. When you read this book you will get a feel of what it is like growing up in urban America. There were certain parts of the book that I found difficult to read simply because I could visualize these things happening.I wondered how painful it must of been to write these things,Mr powers does not hold any -thing back.Minorites in law enforcement will also benifit from this book because it deals with some of the issues that are often talked about, but seldom is there anything ever done.

Tyronne brings light to our darkness

I am a 55 year old white male who lives in Maine.I hold a Masters Degree in Criminology.For the last ten years I have organized a conference at Bates College in Lewiston Maine,that looks at Crimes committed by the F.B.I..After reading EYES TO MY SOUL we decided to bring Mr. Powers to speak about the book and his experiences at the F.B.I. .He along with Dr. Frederick Whitehurst,the F.B.I. lab whistleblower,spoke at Bates in the spring of 1998.For people interested in follow up reading about crimes committed by the F.B.I. I want to suggest the following books.AGENTS OF REPRESSION by Professor Ward Churchill;TAINTING EVIDENCE by John Kelly;TAPS AND GAVELS BY ALEC CHAIRNS;THE FRANKLIN CONSPIRACY by John de Camp;ORDERS TO KILL by William Pepper;BREAK INS DEATH THREATS AND THE F.B.I. by Pulitzer prize winning journalist Ross Gelbspan.Educate yourself about an American Death Squad.

must reading for all people of color!

I ordered the book after hearing the author on a local talk radio station in the Baltimore, MD. area on several occasions. His story sounded interesting, one that I could relate to as a minority. I felt it would be interesting to read about the plight of Black America from the male point of view-in addition, as a career federal government employee in the field of law enforcement, I wanted to know if the author encountered the same racism as i have encountered in my 26 year career with the government. I could easily relate to all of the examples of racism Mr. Powers described in his book while employed by the FBI. It was comforting to read that the author was able to get an education,rise above his circumstances and become a meaningful member of society. He did not fall into the traps so many of his friends had, he was able to get an education, secure a job and impart his knowledge to the community. At times, I felt some of the chapters and descriptions were too wordy, h! owever, I realized the author was laying the groundwork for the information to come as each chapter had a surprise ending and had me "chomping at the bit" to get to the next chapter. Throughout most of the book, I found myself reading ahead. As a person of color, I could really relate to the obstacles encountered while growing up in the community and how it takes a lot of stamina and willpower not to "follow the crowd", but to have your own personal agenda for becoming a positive contribution to yourself and the society. It was interesting to read from a local author about growing up in Baltimore, MD.-we share a lot of the same experiences. I heartily recommend this book as required reading for anyone, but especially for minorities who will be able to see that no matter what obstacles you encounter in life, you must persevere and become a positive force in society. The book stresses the value of an education and constantly reading, gaining the knowledge tha! t will take you places. I have readily passed this book on ! to my brother who is an avid reader and as a black male in america seems to have lost his way. I sincerely hope that this book will allow him to see that you can never give up, that with the right characteristics, a person can be whatever they want to be in this country. I feel this book should be required reading in schools, bookclubs, etc. I fully expect to dialogue with my brother about the book when he finishes it. After reading the book, I find myself anxious to read the suggested readings/reference materials to enhance my knowledge and awareness. I now have a healthy respect for history! I'm sorry I did not pay more attention to it in school. Some of the suggested readings are currently in my library, others I will secure as soon as possible. In conclusion, a very good book and an excellent reference tool-must reading!