I had never heard of Arlinda Willis, but after reading the book’s description, I was interested in learning more about her life. For Once in My Life is her authorized biography, gently and thoughtfully written by Rob Cole. Although it has been a couple of months since I read this book, I still find myself thinking about it. This may be Mr. Cole’s first biography, but I certainly hope it won’t be his last.
Throughout the reading experience, and even now, I found myself influenced by Mr. Cole’s words. He writes, “When people ask why I am telling Arlinda’s story, the simple answer is: she asked me to. I am painfully aware of my role in this telling. I am a White, cisgender male, heterosexual immigrant attempting to honor the life of a Black woman who navigated classism, racism, and sexism.”
One particularly memorable aspect of this biography is its acknowledgment of medical racism. For Black women, this is an unfortunate reality, as their pain and concerns have too often been dismissed or minimized. Mr. Cole recognizes that he has never personally had to navigate the same barriers Arlinda encountered, including racism, classism, sexism, and medical racism. His willingness to acknowledge that difference adds another layer of thoughtfulness to his telling of her story.
Being born into poverty did not stop Arlinda from making a name for herself. She experienced success on television and later built a career in the legal field. Her accomplishments are impressive, especially when considered against the social and racial barriers she had to overcome.
Although this is a posthumous biography, Mr. Cole’s personal relationship with Arlinda gave him a unique perspective. Through their conversations, his knowledge of her experiences, and discussions with others who knew her, he was able to bring together a more intimate portrait of her life. His personal connection to Arlinda is evident, and the additional material at the end of the book helped me better understand the care he took in telling her story.
Being only about a decade younger than Arlinda, I could also appreciate how the ideals and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. influenced her generation. Sadly, history has shown time and again that the promise of equality for all citizens has not always translated into reality. The color line has not been erased, and the struggles Arlinda experienced remain relevant today.
This biography tells the story of Arlinda’s fight to find her place in a society that did not always offer her the same opportunities afforded to others. It also explores the relationships she formed, the personal battles she endured, and the strength she demonstrated throughout her life. These struggles became especially poignant when she received a terminal diagnosis.
What stayed with me most about For Once in My Life was not simply Arlinda’s accomplishments, but the woman behind them. Her story is a reminder that success does not shield anyone from prejudice, personal struggles, or the need to be heard and understood. I appreciated Mr. Cole’s willingness to acknowledge his own perspective and the responsibility that came with telling Arlinda’s story. Will her story be told to a much larger audience? Fortunately, this book is available at multiple outlets. This is a book that gave me something to reflect on long after I finished reading, and I am glad I took the time to learn about Arlinda Willis.
Many thanks to Margot Erickson Publishing, Inc. and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.