Percy Carey’s Comic Book Corner: Thank You

[Each Wednesday, Complex columnist Percy Carey a.k.a. MF Grimm dives into the world of comic books with interviews, reviews, analysis and more.]

I wanted to take the time to thank all of my friends and family who helped me every step of the way to overcome the obstacles that were put in front of me throughout my life. I know the majority of the trials and tribulations were self inflicted, due to me giving into temptations and attempting to be something I wasn’t put on this planet to be…

It took a long time for me to wake up and accept the responsibility of being a positive role model to all of the babies and children here and around the world. I now understand that I have the ability to teach them that even though you've made mistakes in the past, you can learn from them. You can teach others not to make those same choices. I've come to realize that we’re all responsible for each other.

My sister Inez Williams passed away from cancer last year right before my book was released. I was devastated, and went into a form of depression that was not healthy for me, nor the ones who were around me and cared about me. I began to feel sorry for myself. Life without my sister made me want to die. When I felt I couldn’t go any further, I found myself around some amazing children who lifted my spirit. They showed me that I must continue to live for myself and to inspire others, to never give up no matter how much the odds are against me.

My biggest concern was my book being viewed as me glorifying the many dark moments within my life that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I think that’s why I was chosen to endure then so other children won’t have to. People at CNN, TIME magazine, NPR, LA Times, ABC News with Charles Gibson, MTV and so many others felt my book could be used to help others, and I am humbled and extremely honored that so many look at my story and instead of seeing the dark, see how it can help.

I’m honored to have my book entered in the New York State public library system. I’m honored that New Mexico State made sure to add Sentences to their college reading list; I was taken back when I saw my book right next to Malcolm X. I didn’t read about Malcolm X until I was incarcerated (better late than never). Learning about Malcolm X and many others who gave their lives to make sure a knucklehead like me had an equal opportunity to achieve greatness within this country made me pause, made the breath catch in my throat. I had always known to some degree what people had done, but never really understood. Not everyone may think so, not everyone may agree, but the fact that at least one person thinks my story belongs in the same category as Malcolm and some of the other stories, is the most humbling thought. I cannot say just how honored and grateful I truly feel to be in such company.

I will be in the Washington D.C. in the summertime to talk to children and young adults who are incarcerated, and let them know how powerful they are and explain they all have a responsibility as well. My friend Nick Conway who teaches Hip Hop asked me to join him and talk to the future of America and the world about my perspective of Hip hop. I’m looking forward to that, because my perspective has changed, and I want to share it. I don’t want you to buy my book, instead realize that we’re all superheroes and have the abilities to help those in need.

Right now there are so many children in need. I was in south central at “A Place Called Home” and so much joy ran through me as I watched all of the children play, study, sing, and just be in a safe environment away from gang violence. The children even started their own comic book class, which DC comics and Arch Enemy Entertainment have assisted by donating materials and time to improve the comic book class there. I ask you to please learn more about “A Place Called Home” and if you can, give a donation. Spend some time with children and others in need this holiday, and all year round. There are babies dying everyday from their situation, we can control that, even stop it, if we work together. [Click here for more info on "A Place Called Home"]

With great power comes great responsibility. I’m not going to be the one to prove Stan Lee wrong, because I believe it too. I hope you can forgive me for my past mistakes, but I’m on a new path and the sun is shining in my face. The 2008 Glyph award is the greatest achievement of my life and I’m ready to help others achieve greatness as well. Thank you all for loving me unconditionally.

This year, I received a card from DC comics, and I would like to thank everyone over there for thinking of me, and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

P.S. President Barack Obama I look forward meeting you at the White House in 2009. I’ll see you soon.

Percy Carey will be a presenter at the 2009 Glyph Awards in May. Click here for more info on the awards.

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