Some stories linger long after the final page. Published in 2016, That’s the Way It Was: A Memoir by Dr. Benjamin W. Nero, DMD, continues to draw readers because it embodies something rare: the lived history of a man who transformed adversity into achievement, and hardship into healing.
Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, Dr. Nero grew up in the cotton fields of the segregated South. His earliest years were shaped by poverty, the weight of Jim Crow laws, and the whispered warnings of a community that knew too well the dangers of prejudice. Yet within that world of limits, his family instilled boundless possibility — a belief that education, faith, and perseverance could build a bridge to a better future.
From the Delta to Dentistry
That bridge carried Nero far. Against odds stacked high, he became the first Black orthodontist in Philadelphia and its surrounding region — a professional milestone that symbolized far more than personal success. His achievement was a beacon for others, proof that ceilings could be broken and doors could open, even when society tried to keep them shut.
The memoir captures not only his personal story, but the collective story of countless Black families who refused to surrender their dignity. Each page resonates with the struggles of the South, the resilience of a close-knit family, and the hope that America could, indeed, live up to its promise.
With a foreword by Academy Award–winning actor Morgan Freeman, the book carries the weight of testimony — not just one man, but a generation.
Why This Memoir Matters Today
Though published in 2016, That’s the Way It Was feels urgent in 2025. Its themes — racial injustice, the pursuit of education, family loyalty, and faith in the American dream — remain central to national conversations. Dr. Nero’s words remind us that history is never truly behind us; it echoes in the present, shaping who we are and who we strive to be.
This is not simply a memoir. It is a mirror, asking readers to look at America’s past with clarity, and at its future with courage.
Availability
That’s the Way It Was: A Memoir is available on Amazon in paperback, and eBook editions.
Order your copy today and step into a story that bridges America’s past with the promise of its future.
About the Author
Benjamin W. Nero, DMD was raised in Greenwood, Mississippi, and went on to become the first Black orthodontist in Philadelphia. A graduate of the University of Kentucky and the Albert Einstein Medical Center, he dedicated decades to his practice and his patients. His memoir serves as both a personal history and a tribute to the resilience of African American families who endured and triumphed.
About Author’s Tranquility Press
Author’s Tranquility Press, headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, is a premier publishing and publicity company committed to spotlighting extraordinary voices. Through memoirs like Dr. Nero’s, the Press ensures that stories of courage, perseverance, and hope reach audiences who need them most.
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