Books by Deric Gilliard
THE LONGEST
FOUR YEARS OF MY LIFE
A VIEW FROM THE FIELD BY BLACK FED IN
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
The Black Fed in the Trump Administration book readers can't stop discussing, The Longest Four Years of My Life is a raw, unflinching memoir about race and federal government service. Deric Gilliard spent 25 years working for political appointees across five White House administrations, and this book about working under 5 presidents — Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden — captures what it really meant to navigate racism, a global pandemic, and political upheaval from inside the federal government.
Anyone searching for a book about Black federal employee experience under Trump will find an authentic, front-row account here. Buy The Longest Four Years of My Life today and order your copy.
The Longest Four Years of My Life: A View from the Field by a Black Fed in the Trump Administration, chronicles the highs and lows of the most controversial and disruptive presidency of the modern era. Written from the viewpoint of Deric A. Gilliard, a black Christian with activist roots who served for 25 years in the Office of the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services in the eight southeastern states, Gilliard explains how and why this administration was unlike any of the four others he worked for. Exploring the racial, gendered, and ethnic animosity stoked and driven by Trump, the book details positions taken by the administration to dilute the effectiveness of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, and the dire impact of its COVID denialism. The Book also explores Gilliard’s staff’s fight to remain hopeful as President Trump continually mischaracterized the justice marches designed to call an end to over-policing and killing of unarmed black men that drove hundreds of thousands into the streets in protest. He also details the impact of Trump’s racist and misogynist taunts against Latinos, Asians, women, the LGBTQ+ community and black-led cities. Gilliard examines many of the daunting challenges fostered by Trump and his White nationalist administration that threaten to bring upheaval to American democracy in the near future.
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“Deric Gilliard brings a keen, unique perspective to what the policies, temperament and priorities were during the Trump Administration. As the comms rep who worked for presidential appointee in five administrations, Gilliard knows a few things about how public policy is made—or not made—as he chronicles everything from Trump’s COVID response to his promises to do it all bigger and better with a return to the White House. This book is a captivating read from a long serving federal insider.”
“ ☆☆☆☆☆”
Michael Steele, former GOP Chairman, Lt. Governor of Maryland
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Every American should buy at least two copies of this book.
“ ☆☆☆☆☆”
David Nolan, St. Augustine historian
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The Trump Administration recruited and hired some of America’s brightest minds. Men and women who could make America great. These men and women were denied the opportunity to showcase their talents and patriotic zeal. Donald Trump didn’t allow them to shine. His ego and limited knowledge prevented his administration from greater success. Gilliard’s detailed assessment of Trump’s handling of COVID, his attacks on the Affordable Care Act and his attitudes towards people of color shed important light on a presidential term that failed to live up to its enormous potential.
“ ☆☆☆☆☆”
Charles Person, original member of the 1961 Freedom Riders
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Heroes and 'Sheroes' Who Marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Among the most important civil rights books about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. published in recent years, Unsung tells the story of the movement's overlooked participants. A SCLC foot soldiers unsung heroes book at heart, Unsung restores the names and voices of the men and women who marched, organized, and risked everything alongside Dr. King — foot soldiers whose contributions rarely made the history books.
Unsung Deric Gilliard book
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Deric Gilliard's books are always worth reading. From little-known (but hugely important) figures of the civil rights movement, to this inside view of the grassroots working of government through five presidential administrations, he always leaves us interested and enlightened.
“ ☆☆☆☆☆ “
-David Nolan, St. Augustine historian
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Living In the Shadows of a Legend provided a unique, intimate perspective on the Civil Rights Movement, filling in the gaps and connecting the dots that I didn't even realize were missing.
☆☆☆☆
-Alginita Owens
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Even as someone who considers themselves knowledgeable of the Civil Rights movement, Deric pulled back the curtain, shared glimpses into the parts of the struggle that many assumed were present, and provided personal insight that further endeared those valiant warriors. Deric introduced new names and faces and their personal stories, which we can pass down to those fighting with us and those who will fight after us. He fanned the flame of hope that one day, soon and very soon, we can live into the reality of the Beloved Community.
“ ☆☆☆☆☆ “
- Tony DeGruy