Author Spotlight: Damon Amin Meadows

Damon “Amin” Meadows was raised in South Philadelphia. In 1993, he was tried and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, being a first-time offender. Through Amin’s faith in Allah and the successful appellant process, he has released after rehabilitating himself during 21 years in prison. Amin now has dedicated his life to his family and helping the community through education and awareness. He is an Essence Best Selling Author.

His work and book Convict's Candy is adored and has been praised by celebrities such as Wendy Williams, Foxy Brown, and Lil Kim. 

"The real deal about jail life. If you have a man doing a bid, you must read Convict's Candy!"- Wendy Williams

His Book Convict's Candy recently had an Atlanta release party and red carpet event on April 24th. Held at the Book Boutique (Atlantic Station).

The book leads a much-needed conversation in support of the LGBTQ community experience in the prison system and sheds a light on HIV/AIDS awareness. 

How was the Convict's Candy book launch event? Please tell us about it?

CONVICT’S CANDY book release party was legendary. It was an elegant red carpet event at Book Boutique, right here in ATL. We brought back the fun and excitement to the book game.

Why is it vital for book lovers to get the book and be a part of the experience?

Damon Amin Meadows: CONVICT’S CANDY pulls the rug back and turns on the lights about homosexuality and HIV within the penal system as well as how it affects society once those inmates are released.

We had a very honest and needed couch discussion at CONVICT’S CANDY book release party, which I plan on continuing at my signings. It was therapeutic for so many people in attendance. Some opened up about being a gay black man.

We talked about what should one do if they have evidence that their friend’s man is having sex or has sex with another man. How to deal with family members who come out. CONVICT’S CANDY truly opens Pandora’s box!

How has your journey been so far as an Author in Atlanta?

Damon Amin Meadows: I love ATL and all the black entrepreneurship. As an author in Atlanta, I’ve been getting so much love and support. I want to thank two people, in particular, Rodney & Monique, who are an amazing husband & wife team and the owners of Book Boutique. They’re truly keeping black authors in business.

Any new books in the works?

Damon Amin Meadows: Yes, I’m excited to release my first children’s book called “U GOTTA TELL IT”. It’s a rhyme book about child molestation. I wrote that with a very talented author named Keyon Lee. He, Christopher Laster, and I are about to take children’s book to a totally different level.

May is mental health awareness month, how do you balance career, family, and self-care?

Mental health education is something I take seriously. My book “BOY-TOY” addresses Bipolar Disorder in the black family. It’s based on one of my best friend’s life, Cheo Erving. He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when we were young but he was ashamed to share that with me.

As for balancing family, career, etc? I’m still trying to figure that part out. At the moment I’m a good juggler.

What else can we be on the lookout for from you?

Damon Amin Meadows: I’m passionate about my docuseries called “MOURNING MOTHERS OF HIP HOP”. Our children are losing their lives at alarming rates, from overdoses, suicide, and gun violence but no one seems to have a solution. “MOURNING MOTHERS OF HIP HOP” peels off the layers on the culture that has claimed the lives of so many who proudly represented it and exposes the pain, suffering, and blame of its very backbone, the Mothers!

Keep up-to-date with Damon by connecting on social media:

FB: DamonAminMeadows

IG: DamonAminMeadows

(Photo Credit: Lifestyle Images ATL)