Journey To Manhood - Part II

Slugg: A Boy's Life in The Age of Mass Incarceration

Lewis,Tony Jr. & Reeves,K.L. (2015) Slugg: A Boy's Life in the Age of Mass Incarceration. Paperback | Hanover Place Press |

ISBN: 978-0-692-43157-3 | $9.99  |257 Pages

Slugg: A Boy's Life in the Age of Mass Incarceration is a blueprint for survival and a demonstration of the power of love, sacrifice, and service. The son of a Kingpin and the prince of a close-knit crime family, Tony Lewis Jr.'s life took a dramatic turn after his father's arrest in 1989. Washington D.C. stood as the murder capital of the country and Lewis was cast into the heart of the struggle, from a life of stability and riches to one of chaos and poverty. How does one make it in America, battling the breakdown of families, the plague of premature death and the hopelessness of being reviled, isolated, and forgotten? Tony Lewis' astonishing journey answers these questions and offers, for the first time, a close look at the familial residue of America's historic program of mass incarceration – From the back cover of the book

"Tony Lewis Jr could have easily taken up the life of crime by being the son of a Washington D.C. Drug kingpin who is in prison for life, but he decided otherwise. Tony Jr. has travel on the highway many days & nights to visits different family member that  are incarcerated in State or Federal prison but, he was determine not to become a statistic of the jail system!" This book is a MUST Read! Mr.Philly Librarian

Philadelphia Urban League Leadership Forum

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.   

John C. Maxwell

Multiculturalism & Diversity Team 2015

Clifford Xantus, Antony House, Jose Romos, Marvin DeBose, Lin Qiong, Jose Nicot, Lisa P. Batipp (not in picture)

Philly Urban League Leadership Forum
@Youth Summit 2015

"Journey To Manhood" Panel Discussion

I would like to thank you for supporting my “Journey to Manhood” program at Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library last Saturday June, 20, 2015. The program was great; we had a fruitful panel discussion opening up the dialogue with the young men in our community on how to become successful, productive men.  We had approximately 37 people in attendance at the program from all spectrums of life, such as teachers, police officers, business owners and of course librarians. With the help of our sponsors, we had the opportunity to raffle off a bike as well as 20 Whole Food gift cards. There is such a great buzz going around on the social media outlets we are now in the process of planning our next event. (Attached pictures courtesy of KyleCassidy.com )  #TeamWest

Journey To Manhood Discussion Group

Author Event Featuring - Vanessa M. Kirby

Vanessa M. Kirby Shares Powerful Message with Youth at Haverford Library

Author Vanessa M. Kirby delivered a powerful and unforgettable presentation during her recent visit to the Haverford Branch Library, where she engaged an audience of 60 middle school students and adults. Kirby, author of the gripping novel Heroin Heartbreak, impressed attendees with her warm demeanor, skillful storytelling, and genuine connection to the crowd.

Heroin Heartbreak is a raw and emotional cautionary tale based on a true story. It follows 18-year-old Ashley Kennedy, a young woman haunted by her past and caught in a spiral of partying, pain, and drug abuse. As Ashley tries to escape her trauma, she finds that the past can’t stay buried forever—and the consequences are life-changing for her and her family.

Kirby’s book does more than tell a story—it sends a clear and urgent message to both teens and parents about the dangers of addiction, trauma, and silence. It’s a wake-up call wrapped in a compelling narrative, designed to spark conversation and encourage healing.

At just $10.06 for 211 pages (ISBN: 9780989134217), Heroin Heartbreak is more than a book—it’s a tool for education, awareness, and change.

If you’re looking for a story that’s real, emotional, and impactful, Heroin Heartbreak is a must-read. Vanessa M. Kirby is not just a talented writer—she’s a powerful voice for today’s youth

 Vanessa M. Kirby (Author) & Marvin DeBose Sr. (Branch Manager @ Haverford Library)

Greater St. Matthew Independent Church - Reading Program Kick Off

Reading Appreciation Ministry Program Kick Off!
At Greater St. Matthew Independent Church



Richard Ashby (Yeadon Library Director) Rev. Gregory A. Johnson ( Greater St. Matthew Independent Church) Ms. Beverly Abe  ( Program Coordinator) Marvin DeBose (Haverford Library Branch Manager)

Happy Mother's Day Program - Plant A Flower For Mom!