Painting Pictures

After more than a decade dedicated to working with urban youths, mentor and activist Corey D. James is sharing the story of how his New Jersey nonprofit is reshaping the lives of young men and women and empowering them to seek brighter futures in an inspiring new book, “Painting Pictures: Reframing the World of Inner-City Youth” releasing in April 2016.

“Painting Pictures” shares stories of success and tragedy, featuring real accounts of youth whose lives are permeated by negative influences. Growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods, our youth learn at an early age that they have to adapt to the rules of the streets or fall victim to it. They replicate the image of their environment, resulting in the ongoing cycle of violence, drugs, incarceration and intense tragedy. James believes this cycle can be broken.

“Painting Pictures” brings readers into the harsh and complex world in which urban youth struggle, sharing their first-hand accounts of the alarming images and circumstances inner city youth must overcome. Although their pictures look bleak, filled with disasters, frustrations and destructive emotions, James believes a greater picture can be painted. Tear-jerking testimonies pepper the book, providing an understanding that even those raised in the most hopeless of environments can still grow and evolve into sources of inspiration for their community and for society.

“Painting Pictures” serves to remind us all that we can play a crucial role in ensuring that marginalized youth receive the support and encouragement they need to rise out of their poor conditions and paint a better future for themselves.