…The ‘Game’ gave me a rare opportunity to proverbially speak to my younger self, it pains me to admit that I failed to reach him.
Incarcerated: 16 years
Housed: Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Washington
Andre was not as fortunate as I was to survive his mistakes. Shortly after his release, he was killed by just one bullet. My experience and hardships were not enough to dissuade Andre from returning to the ‘Game’, making the same mistakes. Into my hands, the ‘Game’ had placed the opportunity of preventing my younger brother from making the same mistakes…it pains me to admit that I let the chance slip between my fingers….
Although I tried there is no way that I said or did enough, otherwise, Andre may very well still be here today. I should have said or done more, now it’s my passion to do and say more. The ‘Game’ gave me a rare opportunity to proverbially speak to my younger self…it pains me to admit that I failed to reach him. I re-entered prison for the second time in 2005 when I was 21 years old.
Ten years later my younger brother Andre followed in my footsteps, joining me behind bars. I quickly recognized that his present outlook on life and future plans upon his release sounded exactly as mine did prior to my last release. Those who know me know where that type of thinking led me – five bullets to the body and a 26 year sentence.
Aside from my own personal consequences, my choices also caused unjust suffering to many others, including my son, who has been forced to grow up without a present father. My brother Andre and I are only two examples of the consequences that come with a life in the ‘Game’.
There are millions of other young Marcus and Andres out there facing the same choices we once faced. Please help me reach them before they make the same mistakes we once did. 📸 Marcus’
