This Photo hits home in many different ways but I am inspired and motivated by the photo more than anything. The 80's was the start and RISE of the crack epidemic. I was born in 1984 in the heart of this era. This era is destroyed many homes and lives and has definitely birthed some amazing individuals in this life. I am 33 years of age and the thought of making it to this age being a product of that era and crack cocaine was unfathomable. Overcoming those odds and being here to talk about it makes me smile. You can do anything you want with all odds against you. There is nothing bigger than your drive and ambition if you want the end results of happiness. Your current circumstances do not define you and your faith will prevail. I still have a ton to do in this life but I am beyond ecstatic about what I have currently and my faithful future. KEEP FAITH and KEEP HUSTLING.

​I chose this photo for more than the story that comes with the young man in the picture. The young man in the picture is Kalief Browder. Mr. Browder was incarcerated at the age of 16 at Rikers Island New York city jail complex for 3 years for allegedly stealing a backpack from someone. He had a terrible experience in the facility and spent a majority of his time in solitary confinement. After three years Kalief was released from Rikers and charges were dismissed, due to lack of evidence in the case. Kalief’s mental health was greatly affected from his time in Rikers and after three years out of the facility, Kalief committed suicide at his home in the Bronx New York. I have heard many different reactions to Kaliefs story and not all are sympathetic. Some individuals think that he was a weak individual and that his story of his experiences in jail are just one of thousands. Kalief spent 3 years in jail to show and prove his innocence of the charges against him. His mental health was affected greatly and his recovery was tougher for him and his family than expected. We are all different and we all deal with things differently. Someone else may have been released and moved on in life and the experience have no real effect on their mental state. Have more of an understanding for a person’s strengths and weaknesses. Let’s not judge people and try to understand that their struggle is different from your own. May all weaknesses become strengths and all strengths become stronger to help others with their weaknesses.