Introduction Do you know how it feels to grow up as a young man on Chicago’s West Side in 2022? Do you know what it feels like to be labeled a statistic based solely on your environment? Do you know how it feels to question certain decisions? To feel like your options are limited because of the difficulties of everyday life? We challenge you to reflect and imagine this is your reality. May this compilation inspire questions and new perspectives. In the MAAFA Authors Circle we come together to do what human beings have done for thousands of years. We gather to unveil our truths, feelings, questions, pains and inspirations. To share powerful and often uncomfortable stories. Ultimately vulnerability transitions into building trust, understanding and a deeper sense of value amongst one another. We co-create a space of healing and hope, strong enough to hold all of who we are and what we carry. It takes courage to be seen and heard in our full humanity. It takes the power of authentic community--deep roots and strong wings--to continue to make sense of life, the world and our own unique purpose. The MAAFA Author Circle journey has been remarkable: each author navigating and reflecting upon their own dynamic paths with celebrations and heartbreaks, setbacks and breakthroughs, lessons and growth. MAAFA authors prove you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
MAAFA Men: Jerome Dowdy, Malcolm Davis, Deacon Robert Ervin, Facilitator Isaiah Manning, Dwayne McClain, Quentin Harris
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