Antong Lucky, the child of an incarcerated father, grew up in a crime-ridden neighborhood in East Dallas, Texas, during a surge in crack cocaine and heroin use. Despite excelling academically, he was drawn into gang life, ultimately founding the Dallas Bloods gang, which fueled a wave of gun violence linked to a lucrative drug trade. After being arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison, Antong underwent a profound transformation. His time behind bars prompted deep self-reflection, leading him to confront the cognitive distortions ingrained in him since childhood. He renounced his gang affiliation and worked to unite rival gangs, becoming a respected mentor who taught fellow inmates about accountability and conflict resolution. Inspired by a spiritual awakening, Antong sought to return to his community after early release, aiming to collaborate with others committed to addressing systemic issues in American neighborhoods. His memoir reflects a determined and insightful journey, contributing to the growing discourse on prison abolition and societal change.
