Ask the Author: Bilal Alaji
Answered Questions (2)
Bilal Alaji
This story is very personal to me. My memoir is not cliche' or per se status quo material--- it is my experiences. The idea to write became evident to me as I encountered others who shared, in various ways, my experiences. Whether through the court system, child support, baby-mama drama, or an absentee father in a single-parent household. All of these variables are ever too present within minorities lives.
I chose to offer a dialogue that is missing. Speak on issues that we constantly evade. Share stories that are often never told.
"My story is unique in a way, but it also represents the experiences of many Black Muslim men in this country. My goal in telling my story is to inspire dialogue in minority communities about the struggles we face. I want to encourage people to open up and be vulnerable to our experiences..."----Alaji
I always saw myself writing a book but I didn't think the time was now. I was prepared to write maybe 10 to 15 years from now but the universe inspired me in a different way. Through this inspiration, I hope to touch the lives of another generation.
I chose to offer a dialogue that is missing. Speak on issues that we constantly evade. Share stories that are often never told.
"My story is unique in a way, but it also represents the experiences of many Black Muslim men in this country. My goal in telling my story is to inspire dialogue in minority communities about the struggles we face. I want to encourage people to open up and be vulnerable to our experiences..."----Alaji
I always saw myself writing a book but I didn't think the time was now. I was prepared to write maybe 10 to 15 years from now but the universe inspired me in a different way. Through this inspiration, I hope to touch the lives of another generation.
Bilal Alaji
I received inspiratioin from reading books without genre discrimination. I was able to see that we all have a story to tell. What I experienced deserved to have a platform. I came to the realization that I need not suffer in silence because my very words could be the light that brings another out of the darkness.
"I also think that reading so much was what inspired me to write this book. It gave me the confidence to put my words onto paper and share valuable lessons I've learned. I pray I can one day be a mentor to someone who values my experiences."--- Alaji pg. 309
It was through my darkest days that I saw no hope. As I began to understand how to come out of the darkness it allowed me to look critically at my life. This transformation is where the thought for sharing my experiences took birth. If I was able to come out of the burning pits of hell then I knew others could do the same. It was this desire that inspired my writing.
"I also think that reading so much was what inspired me to write this book. It gave me the confidence to put my words onto paper and share valuable lessons I've learned. I pray I can one day be a mentor to someone who values my experiences."--- Alaji pg. 309
It was through my darkest days that I saw no hope. As I began to understand how to come out of the darkness it allowed me to look critically at my life. This transformation is where the thought for sharing my experiences took birth. If I was able to come out of the burning pits of hell then I knew others could do the same. It was this desire that inspired my writing.
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