Dare Mighty Things
A Journey from the Potato Fields to a PhD
Dr. William E. Liverman’s life demonstrates what can happen when perseverance, education, family, and faith meet opportunity. Born during Jim Crow, surviving poverty and a devastating house fire, he earned three degrees while all eight siblings achieved graduate degrees.
Celebrate Dr. Liverman in Person
Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring Dr. Liverman's remarkable journey. Books will be available for purchase and personalized signing. Guests will also be able to visit the on-site Liverman Legacy Station.
Book Signing Events
Reception & personalized signing • RSVP for upcoming dates
Southfield Public Library
1st Floor Meeting Room • 26300 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076
“Always move forward and never give up.”
— Dr. William E. Liverman
From the Potato Fields to a PhD
Dr. William E. Liverman is an author, educator, overcomer, and legacy-builder whose life demonstrates what can happen when perseverance, education, family, and faith meet opportunity.
Born and raised in Weeksville, North Carolina during the Jim Crow era.
Survived a devastating house fire with his mother and seven siblings.
Grew up in poverty and worked in potato fields while dreaming of a different future.
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Elizabeth City State University.
Earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marygrove College.
Earned an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership from Walden University.
All eight Liverman siblings went on to earn graduate or post-graduate degrees, anchored by the unshakable faith of their mother, Gertrude Liverman.
Bring Dr. Liverman to Your Community
The memoir launch is just the beginning. Dr. Liverman's message empowers educators, youth, corporate teams, and community leaders.
Schools & Districts
Inspire students with an authentic message of perseverance and overcoming generational adversity.
- • Author Visits & Assembly Keynotes
- • Student Perseverance Workshops
- • Teacher Leadership & Equity Circles
- • Career Day & Commencement Talks
Corporate & Business
Equip executive teams and employee resource groups with actionable frameworks for resilience and legacy.
- • Executive Leadership Masterclasses
- • Resilience & Purpose Keynotes
- • Corporate Bulk Book Purchases
- • Fireside Chats & Mentorship Series
Conferences & Keynotes
Keynote presentations for state conventions, educational symposiums, and civic gatherings.
- • Opening / Closing Convention Keynotes
- • Civic & Community Banquets
- • Book Signing Pop-up Experiences
- • Multi-Generational Legacy Panels
The Liverman Legacy Wall
Dr. William E. Liverman’s journey is bigger than one book. His legacy lives in the classrooms he taught, the colleagues he mentored, the family he lifted, and the leaders he inspired.
“Break the cycle of educational redlining in our city and lead 5,000 more students to graduate college.”
“How he looked every single student in the eye and demanded excellence without ever raising his voice.”
Dr. Liverman saw potential in me when I barely had attendance. He drove me to Elizabeth City State campus visit on a Saturday and told me that poverty is a circumstance, not a destiny.
Marcus Vance
Former Student & High School Principal
Detroit, MI
“Publish our district's first trauma-informed curriculum for inner-city middle schools.”
“His relentless reminder: 'Never let yesterday's storm keep you from planting tomorrow's harvest.'”
When our district faced severe budget cuts and morale plummeted, William organized leadership study circles in his own home. He showed us that teacher leadership starts in the heart before it shows in the policy.
Dr. Brenda Holloway
Colleague & Teacher Leadership Fellow
Atlanta, GA
“Launch our family foundation providing STEM scholarships to youth in Pasquotank County.”
“Uncle William telling us stories about mama Gertrude Liverman, keeping the wood stove stoked and making sure all eight children did their math homework on brown grocery bags.”
Watching him earn that doctorate proved to our whole family tree that there is no glass ceiling high enough to stop hard work, faith, and unity.
Terrence & Sheila Liverman-Greene
Family & Niece
Weeksville, NC
“Expand the youth apprenticeship corridor across metropolitan Detroit.”
“His steady grace and commitment to mentoring young Black men into professional careers.”
Dr. Liverman has been the moral compass for our local literacy taskforce. He doesn't just talk; he shows up every week.
Councilman Arthur Sterling
Community Partner & Civic Leader
Southfield, MI
CALL 5 → GET 3 SUBMISSIONS → REFER 1 MORE
Dr. Liverman's lifetime of work reached thousands. If every person who shares a tribute forwards this page to just one other former student, mentee, or colleague, we create a timeless monument to his impact.
The Liverman Legacy Pipeline
Every form submission on this page automatically maps to tags, updates contacts, advances the opportunity stage, triggers follow-up emails, and alerts Adriane & Rosa.
Host Committee
rosaworth@gmail.com
Event coordinator attending with 4 guests.
Detroit Public Schools Community District
marcus.vance@detroitk12.org
Principal interested in Keynote + Student Leadership workshop for 600 high school seniors.
Apex Enterprise Group
ecross@apexlogistics.com
VP of People Operations requested executive fireside chat and 100 bulk copies of Dare Mighty Things.
University of Michigan School of Education
dchen@umich.edu
Inviting Dr. Liverman for Dean's Lecture Series in Spring 2027.