About the Book

A veteran of World War II, and a devout Christian, Mr. Ellis, in his travels throughout the Deep South and other parts of the country, has talked to thousands of "working Negroes" in every economic strata. This makes him believe that he knows what he writes about. Herein he has "pulled no punches" and unlike many of the "scientific" writers he does not try to make Negroes into something he would like to see them be, nor does he try to give a "scientific" reason for their way of thinking, and their actions.

This book contains much unwritten localized history, and presents facts and viewpoints which Mr. Ellis believes are necessary for white people to know if they really want to get along harmoniously with American Negroes. Each man, woman, or child, of the white race, who wishes to build a lasting friendship among Negroes, will find many easy-to! -follow true stories in this volume that will help them greatly in their efforts to understand and get along smoothly and harmoniously with Negroes.

In 1950, Mr. Ellis left his photography job in San Francisco, California, and traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, a territory he had wanted to visit ever since he had learned about it, white studying fourth grade geography, in his native Mississippi. A few weeks after his arrival in the "last frontier" territory of the United States, he applied for a job on Elmendorf Air Force Base, and was immediately hired. Believing that "a rolling stone gathers no moss," Mr. Ellis remained and worked on the Base for more than fifteen years.

During the time of his tour of duty on the Base, Mr. Ellis closely observed the relationship between white a! nd Negro workers with a view of endeavoring to develop brotherly love and understanding between the two groups. His immersion into racial matters, on the Base, hastened his determination to publish this book. Mr. Ellis is thrilled through and through to see the two races getting along harmoniously, because he believes that a division between white men and Negro men would be disastrous for the United States. He is a steadfast believer in the axiom that "a house divided against itself cannot stand. He concludes that: "In unity we stand; divided, we fall."

"The Weak Link will be a revelation to those millions of white people who sincerely believe they "know Negroes." The reader may not always agree with the author’s assertions and opinions, but there is one thing that can be guaranteed: the reader will not be bored -he will either like what the book asserts, or he will be incensed; there will be no middle ground." --George C. Anderson, Editor, The Alaska Spotlight

About The Author

June 3, 1920 – February 15, 2006

William T. Ellis was born and educated in Newton, Mississippi, where he lived until he reached the age of eighteen. As he grew up, Mr. Ellis was strongly influenced by the teachings of his parents, grand parents, relatives, and others, including his high school teachers. All of these, by the examples they set, imbued him with the determination to develop integrity, character, and gave him immense pride in his own race.