Ahmariah Jackson Writes a New Book to Help Brothers Avoid the Prison Industrial Complex

Tweet

Note from Dr. Boyce Watkins:  I received this email in my box the other day, and I thought that the author did a wonderful job of explaining his purpose and what he is seeking to do.  So, rather than allowing myself make a failed attempt at reiterating his message, I thought I’d let him tell you about his new book himself.

His email and a video interview is below.  I am going to invite him to participate in one of our Atlanta screenings of the new film, “Hoodwinked,” a Janks Morton film about the state of the black man in America.   The film stars myself, along with four other brilliant black male scholars:  Marc Lamont Hill, Juwanza Kunjufu, Steve Perry and Ivory Toldson.  It’s time that we eliminate the misinformation about the state of the black male in America, while being honest about how we can build a better black man altogether.

Here is the message:

Greetings, Dr. Watkins

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ahmariah Jackson and I am a High School Language Arts teacher in Lithonia, Georgia. I am also privileged to be a proud member of the Morehouse College class of 2001. My good friend and Morehouse brother, **** recommended I contact you as I am embarking on a major campaign.

 I am setting out to affect change and address one of our most damaging societal ills—the alarming rate at which young, Black men are entering jails and prisons. I have a personal connection to this issue as I am currently on felony probation; this probation is a result of gullible decisions and a brief, yet eye-opening jail stint. The months of incarceration alerted me to horrors of the prison industrial complex and the ease with which one can enter its walls. It also provided me with inspiration and fodder for my first book, Locked Up But Not Locked Down: A Guide To Surviving The American Prison System.

I have now made it my mission to bring this discussion to the forefront of geopolitical discussion in an effort to prevent future incarcerations and promote personal rehabilitation. Locked Up But Not Locked Down: A Guide To Surviving The American Prison System is a four-point assault on the rising numbers of incarcerated Americans (there are over 7 million Americans in youth facilities, jails, prisons, and on probation or parole). It is:
• A cautionary tale about the myths of the fast life and easy money- a primary temptation in youth embarking upon a life of crime
• Functional advice/testimonials for those who have been or who are about to face the humbling reality of the prison system
• Resources to aid in self-rehabilitation and re-entry into society upon release
• An intimate glimpse into the workings of the prison industrial complex for all family, friends and concerned members of society

I am contacting you because your sphere of influence is broad and your commitment to our youth and community is undeniable. I believe it is imperative that this discussion be hosted on a national level. Furthermore, it is my hope that you will be willing to assist me with media coverage and presence for the book. Please find links to the book, interviews and reviews of its contents below. I thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,

Ahmariah K. Jackson

 Locked Up But Not Locked Down

Ahmariah Jackson on the Brock And Russ Show

KCLT interview in Helena, Arkansas

Locked Up featured in Ebony Online