Damon "Amin" Meadows was raised in South Philadelphia. In 1993, he was tried and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, being a first-time offender. Through Amin's faith in Allah and the successful appellant process, he was released after rehabilitating himself during 21 years in prison. Amin now has dedicated his life to his family and helping the community through education and awareness. He is an Essence Best Selling Author. His work is adored and has been praised by celebrities such as Wendy Williams, Foxy Brown, and Lil Kim.
"The real deal about jail life. If you have a man doing a bid, you must read Convict's Candy!"- Wendy Williams.
His Book Convict's Candy is having an Atlanta release party and red carpet event on April 24th at 5 pm. Held at the Book Boutique (Atlantic Station) 260 18th St. NW Suite 10110 Atlanta, GA. The book leads a much-needed conversation in support of the LGBTQ community experience in the prison system and sheds a light on HIV/AIDS awareness. We had the opportunity to interview him as we spoke about his upcoming projects and the change he aspires to see in the community.
Note: All pictures provided by the subject.
Interviewer: We know that your upcoming book sheds light upon certain sensitive topics. However, without giving away too much, can you tell us a little bit about your book Convict's Candy?
Damon: CONVICT'S CANDY deals with sexual identity, prostitution, drugs, and homosexuality and shows how HIV/AIDS spreads rampantly within the prison systems and into society.
Interviewer: How did you spending your time in jail impacted you? Did it impact your creativity or did it impact you emotionally? Did you develop a passion for writing during your time in jail or was it developed after you were released?
Damon: I was 21 years old placed in a maximum-security prison so of course, it impacted me. But I rehabilitated myself in that non-rehabilitative environment and that's when I developed a passion for writing. I became an Essence Best Selling Author during my incarceration with the first edition of "CONVICT'S CANDY."
Interviewer: You have dedicated yourself to spending time helping the community through awareness and education. Can you tell us a little bit more about the projects you've been working on? And what other projects would you like to see turning into reality in the next few years?
Damon: Yes, my debt to society wasn't the 21 years I spent in prison. It started once I was released because I'm dedicated to helping the same community I once was apart of destroying. I have a children's book about child molestation that rhymes called "U GOTTA TELL IT" that I wrote with Keyon Lee. A novel called "BOY-TOY" that deals with bipolar disorder. A movement called "MOURNING MOTHERS OF HIP HOP" that helps the Mothers of the children being killed in these streets. We're about to turn "CONVICT'S CANDY" into a movie and our reality show "WHO WANTS TO BE AN AUTHOR" is going to be amazing.
Interviewer: Authors in today's generation don't speak about issues such as LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS in their books because it is considered taboo and they're afraid that if they perhaps write about this, the conservatives would be displeased. What is your opinion on that?
Damon: As far as other authors not writing about issues such as LGBTQ and HIV? I can't speak on them but as for Damon "Amin" Meadows, I have big shoulders! I didn't want to just write about someone being a drug dealer and shooting people then wanting to get out of the game. That's so cliché. It's so many other amazing stories that need to be written by African Americans and I love making people a little uncomfortable by addressing issues head-on.
Interviewer: Do you believe education plays a substantial role in changing the lives of individuals from minority communities?
Damon: Yes, of course, education plays a role in changing the lives of individuals from minority communities. But also individuals having real opportunities within minority communities will have a great impact as well. They took away our community centers, where people use to go instead of being in the streets. This is why I pride myself on helping people learn about Bitcoin and CryptoCurrency. That's the future of wealth.
Interviewer: Where do you see yourself, five years from now? Both professionally and personally.
Damon: In the next five years, personally Amin will be traveling the world and enjoying life. Professionally, Damon "Amin" Meadows will be a film producer and a very successful entrepreneur.
Interviewer: What advice would you like to give to all the aspiring authors who are trying to make a name for themselves in the publishing industry?
Damon: My advice to aspiring authors is, please don't limit yourself! Don't be scared to dream and be creative. Lastly, never listen to the naysayers even if they're your loved ones!
Interviewer: If you could go back in time, what advice would you like to give to your younger self?
Damon: I truly believe in Divine Preordainment so everything I've been through in life has been written for me which has made me the man I am today. That's why we're even having this interview. All Praise Due To Allah.
Damon can be found on his official Instagram account here and on his Facebook account here. "Convict's Candy" can be found here: www.embracepublishing.com
