A Journey Inside a Man
Melvin Bland, Jr.

Copyright 2000

Melvin Bland, Jr., is the eldest of 11 children. Having the responsibility of keeping his younger siblings together has made him a very serious, "taking care of business" type of man. Everyone looked up to big brother, and he handled this position with ease.

Many people influenced "Bland the Man" in his young adulthood. Several coaches, Ken Ford, Arthur Oates (deceased), and Joe Abrams, all contributed to the development of his skills in persistence, endurance, and stamina. This propelled him to winning numerous championships, trophies, and awards in wrestling. It also won him a scholarship through college at Chicago State University.

Through his early years he developed a close friendship with his mother, Verda, and a very close friend, Evelyn Whitfield (deceased). These women taught him how to value and better understand relationships with women. Also, his best friend, William Walker, Sr., (deceased) affectionately known as "Bill" made great contributions to his life. Besides being a friend, Bill was also his mentor and teacher. Bill started Melvin in the business of rehabbing and taught him most of what he knows. His father, Melvin, Sr., and another friend, Ken Ford, taught the rest to him.

Melvin eagerly shares his knowledge with his younger brother, Quincy. Now into his refined years, Melvin enjoys the company of his family. Putting family first and keeping them happy seems to be his primary goal, for he does this well. He enjoys the company of this wife, Valerie, daughter Shannon and sons Melvin, III, Nicholas, and Jeremy. In addition, he delights in his grandchildren, Shamya, Shalik, and Max. He gives of himself unconditionally. A hard working man, Melvin usually has tow or more jobs. He is often quoted as saying, "I love my job," which gives him the stamina to hang in there. Melvin is a teacher of physical education, a wrestling coach, and a CNA nurse at a children's home at night. To complement his skills he is also talented in wood making; much of this is credited to his teacher, Michele McKinzie, affectionately known as "Shelly."

Greatest of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife and surprising her. They take several vacations a year traveling in and out of the country. Valerie is very special to him and was very instrumental in helping him publish this book.