The Heart of a Black Man

What inspired you to share this story and contribute to the book?

Becoming a co-author of the astounding The Heart of a Black Man allows me to share my story to help youth in urban communities to declare There Is a Way Out!

As a Black man who has had lots of good experiences, as well as bad, or has overcome life challenges, what keeps you motivated to keep going?

As I look back over my life at the trials and obstacles and even in moments of triumph, I realize I could have lost my life. My motivation is the grace of God, as He was always there to save me from myself, and my family, whom I love unconditionally.

Briefly, share one of the most significant experiences you’ve had as a Black man that impacted your life and why.

In my past life, I allowed my circumstances to dictate my choices. In doing so, I led a life of selling drugs that affected the community and my home. Although my wife and I did not use drugs, I brought them into our home. I did not know that we were ingesting the fumes and chemicals of the drugs I cooked in our kitchen and was devastated when my daughter was born prematurely with drugs in her system. She was only one and a half pounds, and doctors told us that she would not have a full life. I saw the tears fall from my wife’s eyes and knew that although my choices were my own, my wife, my daughter, and my community suffered the consequences. This significant moment caused me to pack up my life with my family and leave that world for good. I never turned back. first address the root causes of these issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities. We must also support programs that provide resources and education to help people exit the gang lifestyle and recover from drug use. Finally, we must create a safe and supportive environment for those affected by gang violence and drugs so that they can find hope and a better future.

What encouraging words do you have for the younger generation of Black men?

Change is good, but it is also uncomfortable. Change can be a great opportunity for personal growth and development. It can bring new experiences and help us learn and expand our knowledge. While it can be uncomfortable at first, it can also be a great opportunity to stretch ourselves and grow in ways we may not have thought of before. With an open mind and a willingness to embrace the possibilities that come with change, it can be a rewarding experience.

What’s next for you?

If you were given the opportunity to speak from your heart before a worldwide audience of leaders, what would you say in regard to the plight of the Black man?

Gang violence and drugs are serious issues that devastatingly affect many communities. We must strive to create effective strategies to reduce these problems and help those caught in the cycle of gang violence and drug use. To do this, we must

I am currently working on my autobiographical series to share my life’s story and testimony with the hope of changing lives and breaking generational curses. Along with this, I will continue my community advocacy of gang violence prevention and intervention.

How can readers connect with you?

You can friend me on Facebook (@cornellward) and Instagram (@wardfamilyvalues). I’m also available via email at cornellward1964@yahoo.com. I’m always looking to meet new people and have meaningful conversations, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

An award-winning writer, Kwame seeks to empower, provoke thought, and enlighten others through his storytelling. He assists others to write and publish their own stories. His latest book, My Date With Depression: From Mental Uncertainty to SelfFulfilment, in which he shares his experience and journey with depression, has been well received internationally.