Letters To My 13-Yr- Old Self

"Letter To My 13-Yr-Old Self: Wisdom, Wounds, and Wins" is a powerful anthology that gathers the voices of Black men from all walks of life—fathers, leaders, professionals, artists, educators, and everyday heroes. In heartfelt letters addressed to their younger selves, contributors reflect on the lessons they’ve learned, the struggles they’ve endured, and the victories they’ve claimed along the way. Together, these letters form a chorus of wisdom that speaks to resilience, self-discovery, and hope.

The advice shared may address, but is not limited to the following:

-Relationships with family
-Bonding with my father
-Making friends/positive peer groups
-Academic/School
-Self-Esteem/Identity
-Mentor/Role Models
-Navigating Conflicts
-Risky Behaviors
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More than a collection of stories, this book is both a guide and a legacy. It offers encouragement to young Black boys navigating a world that doesn’t always see their worth, while also honoring the lived experiences of Black men whose journeys prove the strength of community, identity, and perseverance. This work will be edited by Antoine L. Medley, MBA, and Dr. David C. Miller.
This is a Sankofa Innovations publishing project.

Example Submission:
55-year-old African American male | Mechanical Engineer | Master’s Degree | Inner-City Chicago
‍Listen closely: your mind is your greatest weapon—protect it. Learn discipline early, because talent without discipline will waste years. The streets will try to teach you shortcuts, but patience and consistency will take you further than hustle ever could. Read more than you talk. Ask questions without shame. Don’t shrink yourself to fit rooms that were never built for you—build your own. Respect your name; it will travel places your body hasn’t yet. And remember, being a Black man who succeeds isn’t luck—it’s preparation meeting purpose. Do the work daily, even when no one is watching.
LISTEN

30-year-old African American male | GED | Formerly Incarcerated | Atlanta, GA
‍Slow down. Every decision stacks—good or bad—and you don’t get to skip the consequences. Choose patience over pride, because pride will put you in rooms you can’t walk out of. The streets don’t love you back, and fast money costs more than it pays. Learn a skill, not a reputation. Listen to people who’ve survived what you’re rushing into. Your past doesn’t disqualify you, but repeating it will. Take responsibility early—it’s freedom in disguise. You are more than a moment, a mistake, or a record. Build something that outlives your anger.
LISTEN

Become a Contributor!
If you are an African American Man above the age of 21, and want to be one of our contributors, please complete the ONLINE CONTRIBUTOR FORM .

Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EST February 28, 2026!‍
Someone from our team will reach out to you about your submission.
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Send all media requests to info@letterstomy13.com .
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