Mark L Baynard, Author

All posts by Mark L Baynard, Author

Mark L Baynard is an author, Book Publisher, youth advocate, and a true success story. He overcame a past of crime, drugs, and prison by now making a difference in his community. Marks was raised in a Housing Project in Wilmington, Delaware, along with his siblings, by his single Mother. He also visited his dad and other siblings in Alabama each year. His mother was a very hard worker who worked two low-paying jobs to raise her five children. His mother raised him to be respectful to others. During his teenage years, Mark began searching for meaning in his life. Having low self-esteem, he started experimenting with marijuana, alcohol and other drugs. This was just the beginning of more problems to come. Mark eventually started selling drugs and living the lifestyle that goes along with it. Due to the choices that he made, Mark ended up going to prison for drugs. Mark was released from prison after serving a two-year sentence. He returned to selling drugs and making unwise choices. Within a year, Mark was back in prison for drugs. He ended up serving thirteen years before being released. While serving time, Mark started accepting responsibility for his actions and began addressing his personal issues. Once he was released in 2004, he moved to Montgomery, Alabama with family. He eventually met a young lady whom he married. They now share a ten-year-old daughter together. Mark also has a twenty-four-year-old daughter prior to his marriage. Mark decided to further his education by enrolling in Ashford University where he earned his Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2012. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama in 2014. In 2015, Mark released his first book titled “100 Years: A Journey to End a Vicious Cycle.” In his book, Mark shares the true story of how his family “collectively” wasted more than one hundred years in prison. He also shares some of the many challenges that he has overcome after being released from prison. Mark encourages others to join in the journey to end the cycle of crime and prison in the community. Later that year, Mark released his second book “These Are Your Flowers.” This book highlights the importance of letting our loved ones know how much they mean to us while they are alive. Mark went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Public Administration at Troy University. He has since transferred to Auburn University at Montgomery in 2015. In August of 2016, Mark released the book “100 Years II: Truth Be Told.” In his book, Mark addresses issues such as black-on-black crime, police brutality, as well as the identity crisis of African Americans. All of Mark’s books are available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00TLXK5L6 In 2017, Mark earned a Master’s Degree in Justice and Public Safety from Auburn University at Montgomery. Mark plans to use his education accompanied with his personal experiences to help others. Mark is a living example that anything is possible. Mark founded “U Can” (Universal Community Advocacy Network) Community Organization, where he works with at-risk youth and has plans to work with adults in the future. Mark’s purpose is to make a difference in the lives of the individuals he serves. His goal is to decrease the high recidivism rate among both juvenile and adult offenders. Mark may be contacted by email at ucan.community@yahoo.com

On May 16, 2025 10 inmates escape from a New Orleans Jail. When I first hear about this escape, I thought that this must have been an inside job. A video of the escape was released to the public. Seeing ten inmate run out of a prison at once seemed very suspicious. Shortly after, the maintenance man was arrested for allegedly assisting the inmates. It was said that he cut the water off to a tiolet that was used as the escape route. The authorities did put out a statement saying that the worker was threatened by the inmates to assist in this escape. Several others were arrested for assisting in the escape or assisting after the escape. Within the first 24 hours 3 of the ten inmates were captured. Eventually 8 of the ten inmates were captured. Two inmates were still at large and considered armed and dangerous.

One of the two (Antonio Massey) took to social media to plead his innocence regarding his initial charge. In the video Massey claims his innocence and even claims to have been let out of the jail. Massey also asked for help from local rapper Lil’ Wayne, President Donald Trump, and anyone else willing to assist him. The authorities closed in on Massey and raided the home where he recorded the video. Though Massey was no where to be found, they claimed to have found clothing belonging to Massey. It seemed that Massey was one step ahead of the authorities. One of Massey Aunts took to social media proclaiming that Massey ws a good person who had a troubled life. The way things were going, it seemed to some, that Massey would remain free for a while. Though Massey did remain free long enough to enjoy his birthday (June 12th), he didn’t make it to the 4th of July. There was a fify-thousand dollar reward for his capture.

Though Antonio did get captured, some believe that he did accomplish one thing while out. Massey did get his side of the story out to the public. By doing so, he also brought heat on himself that eventually led to his capture. Some can now feel safer after Massey’s arrest. The last man standing in this saga is now Derrick Groves. Though Groves has been quite, authorities continue to pursue him as he was convicted of a double homicide. The main problem for Groves now is that authorities can put all their resources on capturing him.

I would like to announce that I’ve launched a new podcast “Mark B’S Perspective,” This is a video podcast in which I share on different social media platforms. I work through my small youtube channel “Mark B’s Perspective.” Though my platform is currently small, i’m looking forward to see it eventually flourish.

On my channel, I make long-form and short-form videos. I do livestreams to interact with my audience. I share about different topics to inform, enlighten, and encourage others. I also interview regular people who are doing great things in their communities. Mark B’s Perspective is more than a podcast or show for me, this is way to celebrate others. In addition to sharing on youtube, I’m on tiktok, instagram, facebook, and my website.

I’m open to any advice as I pursue this journey. Thanks in advance for the support. Here’s a clip from one of my interviews.