When Will BLACK Lives Truly Matter? is a powerful and deeply personal narrative that traces your journey from a troubled upbringing in Detroit to becoming a community leader and advocate for change. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Honestly, I’m afraid of growing old. We have strayed from our greatness as a black community, and no one holds us accountable anymore. With 13 grandchildren, I have transformed my life and career to stand with them and for them.

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

Getting frustrated with we wait until something bad happens to stand up, saying I’m going to stop watching the news!! Then my heart got heavy, you have to do something now…

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Sharing the progress made by various communities is commendable, but ultimately, this is a call to action. To truly incite change, we must actively participate in stopping gun violence and addressing Black-on-Black crime. Get involved in mentoring programs or establish one within your community. Consider engaging with initiatives like My Brother’s Keeper, Black Girls Code, The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, and Harlem Children’s Zone. Let’s unite and embody the concept of a supportive village—normalize the presence of strong Black families and encourage fathers to guide their sons towards a better path.

What do you hope readers take away from your story?

We can change! It is time to seriously consider what we can do to make meaningful changes for our future generations.

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