Peace Family,
We’re calling all Jaguar Track Club members, teammates from the Cobras, Dynamite, the Flyers, Phoenix, East Side House, Kenyan Runners, Lionel Hampton, Concord, Atoms Track Club, Lamans, and beyond! Join us in celebrating the journey, legacy, and triumphs of two brothers from the 1970s-80s NYC track and field world: R.A. Ptahsen-Shabazz (formerly Rod Patterson) and Kamau Ptah (formerly Mark Patterson). As former teammates, rivals, and champions, let’s come together to honor our shared history and reconnect.
These two brothers have channeled their track and field experiences into a profound exploration of culture, identity, and manhood. Through their latest books, Power From the Podium and Crossing the Threshold: Embracing the Call, they highlight the enduring significance of legends like Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the world of track and field, and its role in the Rites of Passage awakening for Black and Brown men. This is your chance to grab signed copies of these essential works—perfect for Black Heritage Month—and engage in meaningful conversations about how track and field shaped our lives.
As many of you know, track and field is more than just a sport; it’s a test of courage, resilience, and determination. Each race, each training session was an initiation into the Warrior mindset—facing fear, overcoming pain, and pushing beyond perceived limits. For me, this journey was shared with my brother and countless teammates under the legendary coaching of Robert Smith (“Coach Bob”) at the Jaguar Track Club. Those experiences bonded us as a family and prepared us for life’s bigger races.
Fast forward to now: my brother and I have transformed our passion for running into work as educators, cultural custodians, authors, drummers, and lifelong students of the "Know Thyself" path. On Friday, January 31st, we invite you to join us for a special Pop-Up Shop Book Signing. Let’s celebrate our shared history, reconnect with old teammates, and maybe even step outside for a 55-meter race—Bengay ointment and health insurance cards highly encouraged!
Don’t miss this opportunity to reminisce (“one-two-three stick!”), reconnect, and celebrate the transformative power of track and field. Spread the word, bring the family, and join us in honoring a legacy that continues to inspire!
For more information about the books go to: www.akobenenterprise.com and https://sites.google.com/view/powerfromthepodium/home...

Tommie Smith, 1968 200m Olympic Champion
From forthcoming Wordee publication:
Power from the Podium: The Story of Black Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos
R.A. Ptahsen-Shabazz
Art by Kephera Ife
https://www.wordeee.com/book/388/Power%20from%20the%20Podium:%20The%20Story%20of%20Black%20Olympians%20Tommie%20Smith%20and%20John%20Carlos

RUNNERS TO YOUR MARKS...
From forthcoming Wordee publication:
Power from the Podium: The Story of Black Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos
R.A. Ptahsen-Shabazz
Art by Kephera Ife
https://www.wordeee.com/book/388/Power%20from%20the%20Podium:%20The%20Story%20of%20Black%20Olympians%20Tommie%20Smith%20and%20John%20Carlos