Reflections

For Arnell Livingston, growing up in the 1980s and 90s in the slums of Los Angeles felt like a scene from a suspenseful, traumatic movie plot. Drugs, crime, and gangs surrounded him, engulfing his entire inner-city neighborhood. Coming from a single-parent household fueled by government assistance, the odds were against Arnell from the very beginning. But his story proves that dire statistics for young, black, inner-city men in America can be proven wrong, and that they can rise above the circumstances of difficult upbringings. Reflections unfolds inside chapters composed from Arnell's therapy sessions, and this highly-personal work of creative fiction is inspired by author Demetrius Ford's own experiences, challenges, and circumstances. Arnell struggles with relationships, his sexuality, and trust; however, with the loving help of his budding Christian faith, friends, and Mr. Riley, his therapist, Arnell is brave enough to reflect back on the past thirty years of trials, tribulations, and uncertainty. He chooses to rise above all, and carve out a new life, strong and beautiful. This is the inspiring story of a black man coming from humble origins, with all odds against him, who chooses to not let his sordid past define him and his future, a man who chooses to become a non-profit organization founder, and a powerful success story within his whole community.