T. Weldon Garrett
Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
A. T. Weldon Garrett is an African-American who grew up in the Williamsburg projects and, by the grace of God, surmounted the
obstacles that tend to trap African-Americans in the projects, the penal system, or a life of drugs. Today, T. Weldon Garrett is an
entrepreneur, educator, novelist and family man.
A. I wanted to write a novel that would inspire, enlighten, empower and enrich African-Americans. And, let me add, that young
adults have said that they are now better prepared for corporate America because of this book. A young gentleman even said that
Against A Brick Wall Inspired him to return to college. I wanted to write a book that would serve as a blueprint for success.
When people see the trials and tribulations that the main character surmounted to live a peaceful and successful existence, I want
them to say, like the person who returned to college, I can do this too. I want this book to teach both black and white people what
no business school in the country teaches: to expose them to the corporate games so that they recognize them, know them, and can
make a conscious decision as to how they want to play the game. I am hopeful that as people read and talk about this novel,
ultimately, positive changes will take place in corporate. In addition, many stories, whether they are in books or on the big
screen, show negative images of African Americans, images into which we unfortunately buy. So the story introduces its readers to
another reality, very positive and progressive African-Americans. Finally, since relationship novels are the hottest craze, I
wanted to write a relationship novel with some substance.
A. I thought about the glass ceiling, a corporate term that suggests that there is a
transparent ceiling that blocks the upward mobility of African Americans and other minorities from the higher echelons of the
corporate world, the executive suite, or those positions that pay well. Having been a hiring manager for a Fortune 200 company and
having seen that which is done to keep people of color out, I submit that discrimination in corporate America is not that subtle
or transparent. And, after reading Against The Brick Wall, one will understand that the glass ceiling is an inappropriate term to
describe discrimination in corporate America and that a brick wall is more suitable.
A. I needed a character with whom people could identify, a character from "the hood" in
whom people would feel a sense of pride. I wanted this character to be the poster child for our struggles so that people could see
and feel the experiences that African-Americans in general experience. I wanted people to understand that there is a way out.
Therefore, Greg embodies the experiences of every African-American male and his significant other embodies the experiences of our
sisters. Their experiences represent ours.
A. There is. Greg is a character with extremely strong principles. He sacrifices a lot rather than "sell out." I too have very
strong principles to which I have held steadfast, much as Greg does in the novel. He has a lot of great qualities. I would like to think that he epitomizes every positive person. Yeah, I'll claim his
personality as my own before someone else does.
A. Against A Brick Wall is my debut novel. It took me one year to write and another year to revise and edit, two years if you
don't count term and research papers.
A. I am working on two books: a work of nonfiction and fiction.
A. The second book will be about African-Americans in corporate with an interesting twist. It's going to be a sequel.
A. It doesn't matter. I can write while watching television, with the radio playing in the background, or while engaged in
conversation. There are times when I may sit in a quiet room but it is not a requirement.
A. One of the central themes in Against A Brick Wall is that African-Americans have to begin to embrace one another, trust one
another, and support one another. Our economic power base is enormous. However, we will not survive if we don't get on the same
page and look out for one another. On that note, I want to thank you and The Literary World for your support and love. Thanks for
embracing a very important subject that I hope will continue to make a difference.
"Against A Brick Wall"
January 10, 2004
Q. What inspired you to write AGAINST A BRICK WALL?
Q. How did you come about the title?
Q. How did you come about Greg's character?
Q. Is there any of your personality in Greg's character?
Q. How long have you been writing?
Q. Are you currently working on another book?
Q. Will you be writing more about African-Americans in corporate America?
Q. What type of atmosphere do you require to write?
Q. What message would you like readers to receive from reading AGAINST A BRICK WALL?