In this engaging conversation, Shaka Senghor, author of *Writing My Wrongs*, shares his transformational journey from 19 years in prison to becoming a celebrated writer and leader. He discusses how literacy became his lifeline during seven years in solitary confinement. Shaka reflects on the challenges of reintegrating into society, the impact of technology, and the importance of empathy for those formerly incarcerated. He also dives into issues of racism, spiritual growth, and the necessity of systemic reform to combat recidivism.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Surviving Solitary
Use solitary confinement for introspection and self-improvement.
Focus on reading, journaling, and pursuing knowledge.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mentorship and Literacy
Shaka Senghor's mentors in prison introduced him to books.
He read diverse genres, from fiction to philosophy, even dictionaries.
insights INSIGHT
Censorship and Contradictions
Access to books in prison is becoming increasingly restrictive, especially those reflecting Black culture.
This censorship contrasts sharply with the availability of books depicting violence.
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Long Walk to Freedom is an autobiography by Nelson Mandela that chronicles his early life, his education, and his 27 years spent in prison under the apartheid government. The book describes his role as a leader of the African National Congress and his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. It also details his political ascension and his presidency of South Africa, as well as his efforts to rebuild the country after apartheid. The book is an epic of struggle, setback, renewed hope, and ultimate triumph, and it has been praised for its insight into Mandela's life and his fight for human rights and racial equality.
What You Do Is Who You Are
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In this book, Ben Horowitz combines lessons from history and modern organizational practice to help executives build cultures that can endure both good and bad times. He highlights four models of leadership and culture-building: Toussaint Louverture, the Samurai, Genghis Khan, and Shaka Senghor. Horowitz connects these historical examples to modern case studies, including leaders from Netflix, Uber, and McDonald's, to provide practical advice on creating and sustaining a purposeful company culture.
Belly of the Beast
Kiese Laymon
Da'Shaun Harrison
Da'Shaun Harrison's "Belly of the Beast" delves into the intersection of anti-fatness and anti-Blackness, challenging the dominant narratives within fat studies. The book critiques the compartmentalization of identities and experiences within academic disciplines. Harrison argues that anti-fatness is inherently linked to anti-Blackness, rooted in historical systems of oppression. The work explores the violence inflicted upon Black fat bodies through policing, medical systems, and societal structures. Ultimately, "Belly of the Beast" calls for a radical reimagining of liberation that goes beyond traditional abolitionist frameworks.
James Allen as a man, think of it
James Allen as a man, think of it
James Allen
How do you survive seven years in solitary confinement? The gift of literacy is what saved Shaka Senghor. Reading, journaling, academic study, and writing books was a way to structure and survive an inhumane, mentally toxic environment. And after 19 years in total behind bars, he was finally able to apply that gift and create employment for himself as a writer and organizational leader upon rejoining society.
Shaka joined Tyler to discuss his book Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison, what it was like to return to society not knowing the difference between the internet and a Word document, entrepreneurialism and humor in prison, the unexpected challenges formerly incarcerated people face upon release, his ideas for helping Detroit, what he connects with in Eastern philosophy, how he’s celebrating the upcoming anniversary of his tenth year of freedom, and more.
Conversations with Tyler 
