I just wanted to let everyone know the story behind my book “100 Years: A Journey to End a Vicious Cycle.” I started as a normal child with hopes, dreams, and goals. Somewhere along the line, I ventured into mischievous behavior. After making a lot of poor choices during my life such as using and selling drugs, I found myself in prison on more than one occasion. During which time I lost my grandmother, on my mother’s side of the family. After serving more than a decade behind bars I was determined to make more responsible choices concerning my life. Once I was released from prison in 2004, I felt that I had a fresh start in life. I wanted to work with troubled youth in order to prevent them from making going down the same path. I met my wife and we now share an eight year old daughter together. I continued working with troubled youth. I then earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Things appeared to be coming together in my life. During this process I was shocked to realize that my family “collectively” wasted more than one hundred years in prison. Within this number included my dad, my younger brother, a few of my cousins, and myself. I initially felt embarrassed, hurt, and disappointed. I quickly thought of ways of dealing with this reality. One of the things that I did was write the book. My hope is that this book will reach teenagers as well as adults. I understand that the cycle of crime and prison will continue unless changes are made. These changes will include the way that we think about ourselves, others, and life itself. Our lives are more valuable than our current situations. If anyone is interested in purchasing the book, it is available on Amazon and on my website http://www.journey100years.com
Journey 100 Years (Mark's Life After Prison) 
It is phenomenal that you have completely 180’d your life and turned the negative experiences of your past into positivity for the future. Instead of continuing the cycle of dysfunction and despairity of the black community, you chose to learn from those mistakes and prevent the generations after you from horrors they can’t even imagination. Thank you for your message, your involvement in the community, and your willingness to lead by example. I commend you, sir.
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I thank you for your encouraging words! I understand the devastation that drugs and criminal behavior are causing in the community. I am hoping that my life will make a positive difference in the community.
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