I plan to use this space to recognize the guys in prison and to let brothers and sisters everywhere know that with guidance and determination, you don't have to end up in prison. Utilize the skills you have to do something great. We are locked up but we are never down for good. With help and blessings from God we can all overcome our circumstances. Kareem's Block will introduce you to men in prison. We all have hope, goals and dreams. Right now they may be on hold but not forgotten nor will we give them up.
*Here are some questions I asked my brothers in prison, and, here is what they had to say. If you feel them, give them a “holla.” Sometimes a bit of encouragement is all a brother needs to stay focused and doing the right thing!*
*** (About “myself”) ***
What is your name?
Kareem Tomblin, a.k.a. “So’jah.”
Where are you hailing from?
Straight out of Charlotte, North Carolina. The “Queen City!”
Mike Sanders, what up? Blackband Brotherhood Clan, what up?)
Why are you in prison and how long have you been incarcerated?
In truth, I’m in prison for not using my head, except to do negativity. However, I was convicted on a laundry list of overt acts; among them conspiracy to commit violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity.
I have been incarcerated now 18 years. At the time of my arrest and detention I was 17 years old. January of 2011 I will be 36. I was the youngest person on my case. Even the prosecutors for the government acknowledged that I was a “juvenile,” but they still moved to try me as an “adult!”
What was life like for you prior to coming to prison?
For me, life has always been a struggle. When I was very-very young I witnessed my father leave our family. This hurt the hell out of me, because as a young boy I really needed him to guide me into manhood. Poverty and hard times were pretty much all I witnessed in a family of three brothers (me being the fourth), two sisters, and a mother doing her best to raise us on her own, with only the assistance of welfare. Eventually, I found my way into the streets, where I started selling drugs, and cliqued up with other thugs and started robbing big drug boys.
What have you done in an effort to rehabilitate yourself?
I first came to the realization that with God, and the exercising of commonsense, I could positively change my life. I didn’t like being a thug, gangsta, or whatever you want to call a “student of the streets.” That was a life I embraced in an attempt to better my situation in the hood. That life gave me a first class ticket behind steel doors and concrete walls! On the surface being here seems like a bad hand. And trust me, there is nothing glamorous about prison. But here I had an opportunity to rest and think. I did just that. Then started educating myself.
What “talents” have you tuned into and are now exercising that you didn’t know you had, or knew you had, but failed to manifest??
Teaching and writing. I teach what I call THUGOLOGY! Which essentially covers the street life and the devious mentality it gives those who dare to embrace it, and the pitfalls.
Writing… I simply love writing. I wrote “Death, No Exceptions,” as well as SIMPLY PUT! (Published by Priority Books Publications) and several other novels. Writing frees me. It’s something I never dreamed of doing while I was hustling in the streets.
How are you different now than you were prior to your incarceration?
I think now before I react. Prior to my arrest and coming to prison, I was young and open to all types of negativity. Negativity that profits nothing in the long run. Now I think about my mother (the most important woman in my life). I don’t ever wanna let her down again. She’s getting older, and needs to be at peace knowing that her once thug-son is now a man; or better yet a King, who will not suffer being dethroned over doing something stupid! Them days are over! I credit the power of God for that! He makes the difference in me.
Who, or what inspires you?
I like seeing and hearing about young women who made some terrible mistakes when they were in their youth, but bounced back through educating themselves, which also led to them no longer wanting to “degrade” themselves. A lot of young women go to clubs, strip naked and dance just to make a few dollars to survive out there. Some connect with drug dealers and some even join gangs and start “banging!” When many of them see that they are better than doing those things, many of them renounce continuing to be ignorant, and start, like I said, educating themselves, getting good legitimate jobs and feeling better about themselves. The same goes for a lot of brothers. I’m inspired when I hear stuff like that. It makes me wanna keep doing right.
What is the one thing that you want others to know and understand about you?
I want others to understand that I’m human, and know that humans are fallible. Being fallible doesn’t give a brother a first class ticket to keep slippin’ and fallin’. But the potential is there. If I fall, don’t look down on me and say, “He ain’t shit! He’ll never get up, because he’s a thug and deserves to be down!” Don’t respond in that manner toward me or my fallen brothers and sisters. Instead, understand that if you are “up,” then you have the potential and power to help me get back up! That’s the “duty” of a true good person.
If you could say something to someone who might be caught up in “underworld activity” like selling drugs and thuggin’, what would it be?
I would have to say that I know it is not easy out there in that world. Sometimes you go looking for a job and no one wants to give you a chance to express yourself. As a result, the best in you never comes out. So there is nothing else left but to bring out the worse in you. I know because I been there and I done that. I would have to say, though, that God is real, and He will help you if you believe. Just try Him, and be patient. Don’t let the devil trick you!
How can others get in touch with you and what are your plans for the future?
Anyone who would love to get in touch with me can do so at my current address:
Kareem Tomblin #10119-058
P.O. Box 52020/Unit B-2
Bennettsville, Sc 29512
I plan to go back to the hood and help make it a NEIGHBORHOOD. It’s time out for us always receiving the ass-end of something. The “hood” is the ass-end of neighborhood! I will do this with the help of good people who will allow me to use my gift of teaching and leadership for the edification of our people. Black people first, then others! God bless you! Be sure to check for my writings and novels at: www.prioritybooks.com. Where Rose Jackson-Beavers is CEO! Check out my article on how to run a business below!
“BUSINESS WISE”
“Be wise as a serpent, and harmless as a dove.”
-Jesus, The Messiah (Matthew 10:16)
By Kareem Tomblin
When it comes to doing business, I, and so many of my peers here in prison learned a lot from being in and a part of the “Drug Game.” A very lucrative business, but one many of us here in prison now renounce because among other things, that “bad business” called the Drug Game totally destroys lives and communities.
Many of us have come to know and better understand now that we have had time to sit back and think that “business-wise,” if a business is going to be a true success, it first and foremost has to be rooted and grounded in the soil and concrete of that which is “good” and not criminal. Criminals end up going off to jail or sadly die before their time. But true successful business men and women can rest well at night absent having to look over their shoulders for the cops. If you are truly about your business by working hard, you may even be found somewhere on Wall Street clockin’ Donald Trump type dollars, or Bill Gates type of bucks. Point being, “good business” is business that thrives and succeed because it’s “legitimate” in essence, among other things.
So many of us, both male and female, are locked away in jail cells because we had our hands tied up in “bad businesses.” Bad business as I mention previously like the Drug Game is business that is illegal and contributes to the detriment of our communities and ourselves. However, even though we weren’t on the legal end of doing business, there were still points and principles we learned that nearly all who endeavor to own a business should at least consider. In this edition of “Kareem’s Block,” I would like to share some of the points and principles I learned doing business. I have also brought along with me a few of my peers who will also share what they learned while doing business in the streets.
“It’s important that we heed these points and principles, because the time has come for us to become our own “bosses” and CEO’s! With the current economy as it is, not a one of us, whether black, white, or what have you, can afford to sit around and wait for someone to call us for a job. There’s no surviving like that in today’s world. So instead of waiting for someone to give you or I a job, it’s time we use our God-given talents and abilities to create jobs for ourselves! There is definitely an entrepreneur in all of us. Sometimes though it just takes a weakened economy and falling on hard times to bring this entrepreneur in us to the surface. With that said, here’s what I, Kareem Tomblin, learned from hustling in the streets.
1.I learned that if I was gonna be successful making money I would need a product Since nearly everyone I knew at that time in my life were hustling drugs, I copped me some “crack” to sell. I knew that the demand was great for that product, so it became my chief product to sell. You must have a product.
2.)After copping me a product to sell so that I could get my drug business up and running, I saw that I would need PEOPLE to sell my product to. You can have all the cocaine in the world, but if no one buys it, you can’t make any money. And, that’s with any product you’re seeking to hustle. That being said, I obviously targeted “crackheads.” You need a target.
3.)After getting a product and targeting a people to sell it to, my next move was PROCLAMATION! In other words, I had to get the word out about my product. In getting the word out, I let the junkies (crackheads) know that I had some potent crack worth purchasing. This was important because in the hood nearly every street cat is selling coke, which means you got competition. So your product has to be worth purchasing. NO crackhead wants to buy crack that isn’t potent enough to take their rocket to the moon! Likewise, no one will purchase a product you have to offer in the “legitimate world of business” if they discover that they’re not gonna get their monies worth. When a business person gives bullshit in return for someone’s hard earned money, that’s “bad business.” No one in business can expect to last long with a bullshit product. So proclaim why others should buy your product.
4.)Now that I got my product, people to sell it to, and the word is out and I got a place to ensure I can be found with my product, I found that my next move would be focusing totally on my PROFIT, for I knew that making money was one thing, but making a profit was another. Making a profit means that you just didn’t make the money back that you initially invested to get your business started. It’s that and some! No business can survive absent a profit being made and managed. So do focus your profits. You can do a lot with your profits. A lot like: “expand your business”!
Those are just some of the points and principles I learned from being in and a part of the Drug Game. Now that my mind is thinking right and straight, I don’t have to sell drugs anymore. I am a published author. I can now sell books! The principle of business is still the same. The only thing that changes is the product, which upon my release from the “Belly of the Beast,” I am willing to hustle with just as much time and energy as I did hustling cocaine. That’s what time it is with me today; that’s what being “Business-Wise” is all about.
More about Kareem Tomblin
What is your name, and where are you hailing from?
By now y’all know me, “Kareem Tomblin” (CEO of “Kareem’s Block”). Still representing the “Queen City,” but I’m currently locked away in Bennettsville, South Carolina.
How long have you been in the “Belly of the Beast” (Incarcerated)?
Almost 19 years.
A lot of brothers and sisters are incarcerated for hustling drugs, if you are among this group or class, what are a few “Business-Wise” points you learned from the Game that you can give someone looking to start their own business?
(See my introduction page titled “Business-Wise.”) Aside from those points and principles, I would have to say “know your capabilities.” In other words, don’t’ try to start a million dollar business with a thousand dollar mind! Do what you can, not what you can’t afford!
If you could advise current President Obama on ways to improve the economy, what advice would you give him?
First of all, I salute our nation’s first African American President. It took a lot of courage for him to run and convince the American people of all races that he could win. I think he made us all believe that what seems “impossible” is “possible” if you believe in our capabilities and exercise courage. As far as the economy? We’ve got to find a way to eliminate our dependency on foreign oil. Due to social unrest in places like Egypt and Libya the price of oil is skyrocketing and that’s killing the economy.
How are you a better man today than you were prior to you coming to prison? And why should society trust having you or any other so-called “reformed” criminal back in their midst without being suspicious of whether or not you have truly changed?
I’m a better man today because above all, I have abandoned being “selfish.” I’ve come to know and better understand that God put us (human beings) on Earth to serve one another. All I ask of society is to give me the benefit of the doubt. Yea, I fell down by choosing to thug when I was younger. I’m paying for that now. When I come home though, I’m coming to a blessing. That’s all I can say on that note.
How may others who may want to get in touch with you do so?
You can write me at my Bennettsville address.
If you could drive one good message home to today’s youth, what would it be?
I would have to say to the youth, that you are the future. That means, the future only looks good if you look good. And, young brother and young sister, I’m not talking about looking good “outwardly” by wearing the latest clothes and shoes. I’m talking about looking good “educationally,” which ultimately leads to you looking good “economically.” Look good “spiritually” as well, which means embrace having a relationship with God, who alone has the power to take you higher than you could ever imagine.
I love you!
P.S. Be sure to check out my books on www.prioritybooks.com, as well as the books of my Prioritybooks Publication family.
Introducing Robert Ebenhart
What is your name, and where are you hailing from?
My name is Robert Ebenhart, aka “Bobby Digital,” and I am coming from a small town in North Carolina called Southern Pines.
How long have you been in the “Belly of the Best” (Incarcerated)?
A little over six years.
A lot of brothers and sisters are incarcerated for hustling drugs, if you are among this group or class, what are a few “Business-Wise” points you learned from the Game that you can give someone looking to start their own business?
It’s all about being a leader. People have to believe in you and your product. A lot of drug dealers are businessmen and just don’t realize it. Anything you sell requires a marketing plan. Many of us as drug dealers were just marketing the wrong product.
If you could advise current President Obama on ways to improve the economy, what advice would you give him?
I would humbly advise our nation’s President to put more money into green technology and education. Other countries are way ahead of us because they’ve let go of their dependence of fossil fuels and they invest in their children’s futures by providing the best education. Create great thinkers and success will be achieved.
How are you a better man today than you were prior to you coming to prison? And, why should society trust having you or any other so-called “reformed” criminal back in their midst without being suspicious of whether or not you have truly changed?
I’ve always been business minded, I just always thought of illegal ways to make money, which got me here. Once you let go of the thought that you can get money by illegal means, you start to search for another way. Once I did that, I discovered a whole new world, a world that was always there. I was just blinded by the life.
How may others who may want to get in touch with you do so?
Robert Ebernhart
P.O. Box 52020/ Unit B-2
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
(I’m always open to drop some positive advice on my young brothers and sisters.)
If you could drive one good message home to today’s youth, what would it be?
Never stop learning. Education is a lifelong process. As the times change so does technology. Our parents are always saying that things were different in their day because times change. You have to stay ahead of the game by educating yourself. Find something you love to do, and be the best at it. Doing what you love is the definition of success. (Donald Trump)
(Shout outs to my beautiful mother, siblings, wife and kids. I love you, and know that I am doing everything in my power to better myself while here in the Belly of the Beast!)
Introducing Rosheen Waller...............
What is your name, and where are you hailing from?
Rosheen Waller, Richmond, VA 23224-5
How long have you been in the “Belly of the Beast” (Incarcerated)?
Going on my QuinQuennial (5th)
A lot of brothers and sisters are incarcerated for hustling drugs, if you are among this group or class, what are a few “Business-Wise” points you learned from the Game that you can give someone looking to start their own business?
Create a vision that will allow you to see every aspect of what you are contriving to make and develop.
Know your own reason and purpose for development.
Qualify people who can be an apparatus to your endeavor.
Always seek to explain.
If you could advise current President Obama on ways to improve the economy, what advice would you give him?
In order to rebuild you must sacrifice the supplements of having to add on. However, with all due respect to the President’s position of leadership, I would like to see his plan fully lived out, and that would then determine what I would advise him.
How are you a better man today than you were prior to you coming to prison? And why should society trust having you or any other so-called “reformed” criminal back in their midst without being suspicious of whether or not you have truly changed?
I no longer execute nor enforce malignant ways or intentions of constituents with complacent motives. I now target to uplift and help seek out ways other than with what hinders us. Society [needs] to trust us by identifying with who we once were and seeing the essence of the distinguished and what’s been embedded before going astray. Trust us be[cause] we now understand [that] when it rains it pours! And that sunshine and rainbows closely follow behind in the nature of healing.
How may others who may want to get in touch with you do so?
Rosheen Waller #37452-083
P.O. Box 52020
Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
If you could drive one good message home to today’s youth, what would it be?
Every life has a story and a foible to go with it. Turn your weakness into the buttress of what makes you who you are, peculiar and special.
You Can be a Part of Kareem’s Block
So that you will know, although Kareem’s Block recognizes males in prison for renouncing “thuggism” and becoming “thinkers” who hope to one day make a big positive difference and impact in their communities, Kareem’s Block is for all who think and act positive. Here on Kareem’s Block we know and understand that the last thing our communities need is another “thug” in its midst. Thugs cause trouble and usually end up in prison or in a cold grave. Positive thinkers solve problems by wisely using their heads; they know and understand that a “mind is a terrible thing to waste!” So here on Kareem’s Block foolishness is the last thing on our minds.
•Therefore, if you are doing everything in your power to sharpen your mind in a good way, you can be a part of Kareem’s Block.
•If you are a young man or young woman who honors his/her parents, you can be a part of Kareem’s Block. For honoring parents is a Biblical command that brings heavenly rewards.
•If you respect your elders, and do everything in your power to not pollute your mind and body with drugs and alcohol, you can be a part of Kareem’s Block.
•If you are not misleading others or yourself to break the law which could land you a first class ticket to jail or prison, you can be a part of Kareem’s Block.
•If you are willing to feed the hungry when it is in your power to do so, you can be a part of Kareem’s Block.
•If you are willing to clothe the naked when it is in your power to do so, you can be a part of Kareem’s Block. For serving others is the greatest practice of all.
•In short, if you are willing to be all that God created you to be so that you can in no uncertain terms reflect His character on Earth; you can be a part of Kareem’s Block.
Become a part of Kareem’s Block today!
*Kareem*
