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“I denounce because though implicated and partially responsible, I have been hurt to the point of abysmal pain, hurt to the point of invisibility. And I defend because in spite of it all, I find that I love.”

- Ralph Waldo Ellison

(Ralph Waldo Ellison: Groundbreaking Author & Literary Genius)

To the memory of the late, great Ralph Waldo Ellison. May your literary brilliance continue to be seen by all;

To my wife Yadira, my children Josiah, Joshua and Eden and my family members and friends. May the joy of the love we have shared together in this life meet us on the other side;

To the generations unborn who will one day dare to seek truth and understanding. May the hope of a better tomorrow become the reality of your today;

To my mother, Essie Dowling, and all of the single mothers doing their best to improve the lives of their children. Please know that your sacrifices are most appreciated and shall never be forgotten;

To the mentors in my life, Alcee L. Hastings, Harry E. Johnson, Sr., William F. Pickard, Lia T. Gaines, Gregory Phillips, the late Maude Ford Lee, and the late William M. Batts, III, who helped shaped me into the man I am today. I attribute many of the vast experiences I have enjoyed as a direct result of having passed your way, and I am grateful;

To my brothers in the struggle simply yearning to be seen. May you always leave a positive impact upon the world that can never be erased;

To my dearest friends Myles B. Caggins III, Ian A. Davis, C. Marc Harper, Reuben Ahmed Munday, Kent M. Stone, who have helped to pick me up when I have been down and continue to encourage me to reach my full potential. Thank you for never allowing me to take myself too seriously;

To my constant supporters and friends, Michael and Lori Armstrong and their children Caleb and Coleman. Thank you for always believing in and encouraging me to step into my greatness.

To my dear friends Richy Gray, C. Ron Allen, the Honorable Wayne Messam of the City of Miramar, Florida, and my cousin, Kay Dowling, for being early financial contributors to the completion of this project; without your support this work would not have been possible;

To the late Gregory Diggs, Tamir Rice, Kalief Browder and Tayvon Martin, subjects in this book , all of whom have "slipped the surly bonds of earth to kiss the face of God." May your memory live through the ages;

To each of you, from the depths of my soul, this book is respectfully dedicated.