A Redemptive Path Forward

by Antong Lucky

The motivational memoir by a formerly incarcerated man who transformed from founder and leader of the Dallas Bloods to a practitioner of peace and nonviolence in the neighborhood he once helped destroy.

As a child of an incarcerated father, Antong Lucky grew up in an impoverished, crime-ridden neighborhood in East Dallas, Texas, born at the same time as East Dallas experienced an alarming rise in crack cocaine and heroin use. Despite his high grades and passion for learning, Antong is introduced to gang life and its consequences.

Eventually, Antong forms the Dallas Bloods gang, inaugurating a period in the 1990s of escalating retaliatory gun violence buoyed by a lucrative illegal drug enterprise until he is ultimately arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison. His journey through the doors of transformation came through the pain of incarceration and introspection that caused him to question the cognitive distortions embedded in him since childhood.

Once in prison, Antong denounced his gang affiliation and began working to unite rival gangs, quickly rising to become one of the most respected and sought-after mentors in prison. A spiritual transformation further inspired Antong to return to his old neighborhood after early release, seeking to align with like-minded people dedicated to challenging systemic issues in U.S. communities through collective efforts. The work of an incisive, determined mind, A Redemptive Path Forward will take its place among the broadening canon of titles championing and investigating prison abolition and societal transformation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 17, 2022

Reviews

[Lydia Wallace]

Antong Lucky I am so glad I read your life story. You are a hero making a difference in young people's lives that are headed down the wrong path. I read your book in one sitting. I was sad when it ended, but happy for your new life. Some people would just give up and continue down the wrong path, but you were stronger than that. In this engaging and illuminating memoir, Lucky shares his experiences, insights, and community program know-how. Lucky is insightful, nuanced, and honest about himself, social problems, and the work he does between rival gangs and their neighbors. Lucky resists simplistic ideas and stays focused on fixing root causes. He understands his community and builds bridges for others who share his goals. In this engaging and illuminating memoir, Lucky shares his experiences, insights, and community program know-how. Don't ever stop doing your great writing and great work. Highly recommend.

[Sylvia Ekdahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a Goodreads giveaway and am very glad it came to me. The author tells his story in a very interesting and readable way. It is a tough story without an end yet but hopefully with the activism of people like Antong Lucky, the world will become a better place for us all.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Redemptive Path Forward by Antong Lucky

The Motivational memoir by a formerly incarcerated man who transformed from founder and leader of the Dallas Bloods to a practitioner of peace and nonviolence in the neighborhood he once helped destroy.

This is the raw emotional story of Antong Lucky born to teenage parents. By time he was one year old his father was sent to prison for burglary and then came the step fathers in and out of his life. Living in unsafe project apartments hearing gunshots on a daily basis was considered normal not to mention drugs and death. Eventually selling heroin, crack etc. was essential way to survive. Then it gets caught up with you and next comes cops then detention until you are sent to prison leaving loved ones behind.

That vicious circle that takes plenty of black men for recycle. This is why this is not a book that keeps you guessing. Antong takes us through prison life, getting religion all with deep meaning. I really liked how he mentored kids with Omar that was aimed at puncturing the broad prejudices, what to do when pulled over by the police, and these words: how the principal grinded what little hope he had for the school year to dust and blowing it back at him from the palm of his hand. I don't know why but those words have real meaning to me.

I've read many books about the black man being accused of a crime and they were innocent but spent many many years in jail. The strengths these men have to continue to thrive and not give up.

I do wish there were pictures of Antong growing up.

This 224 page book is aimed at mostly young readers and was released May 17th.

Thank You GoodReads Giveaways and Counterpoint for an advanced hard copy of this book.

[Rijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m happy when I find a book that I can’t put down. The real-life story that Antong shares highlights triumph and skirts by pain all while expertly balancing Hope.

Highly recommend. Dallas’ own. Antong “Kiddo” Lucky.

[Bea Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a free copy in a Goodreads giveaway (thank you!) of this new memoir. Antong Lucky’s work with youth affected by gangs is critical and his life story is so compelling that I am glad i got a chance to read this! i wish there was more emphasis on solutions beyond personal mentoring of youth. One note to other potential readers is that Lucky does work with cops so don’t expect him to be very critical of them.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antong Lucky’s memoir, A Redemptive Path Forward, is a candid and nuanced exploration of his remarkable journey from gang leader to becoming a leader who cares about the community. With a blend of honest self-reflection and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by many poor communities, Lucky crafts a narrative that is both powerful and hopeful. His story of personal transformation—from a life steeped in crime and incarceration to one dedicated to peace-building —shows authentic change is possible.

Lucky’s narrative is both harrowing and uplifting, drawing readers into the depths of his struggles while simultaneously illuminating the path to redemption. He does not shy away from the harsh realities of his past, yet his journey is infused with a sense of hope that resonates throughout the pages. This memoir is not just a personal account; it is a call to action, urging readers to reconsider the dehumanizing portrayals often associated with those entangled in the criminal justice system.

One of the book's strengths lies in its broader social commentary. Lucky uses his experiences to challenge prevailing narratives and advocate for reforms to break cycles that perpetuate poverty and crime. His insights serve as a welcome corrective, pushing for a more compassionate understanding of those affected by these issues. However, this emphasis on systemic change raises important questions about individual responsibility. While advocating for collective action, the book risks overshadowing the role of personal accountability in the journey toward redemption shown in Lucky story.

Lucky’s focus on systemic reform invites a critical examination of the balance between community intervention and individual liberty. The potential for excessive government or nonprofit involvement in personal lives is a concern that warrants discussion. While advocating for change, there is a delicate line between fostering community support and infringing on personal freedoms.

All in all, A Redemptive Path Forward is a thought-provoking memoir that offers a rich tapestry of personal and societal insights. Antong Lucky’s journey is a testament to the power of transformation, and his call for reform challenges us to confront the complexities of justice. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the intersections of crime, community, and the potential for redemption.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I don’t trust police and that this implicit bias is based on personal experiences where every officer I’ve encountered automatically assumed my family was at fault each time there was a reason to call them, because they never gave my parents the benefit of the doubt solely based on their heavily accented English, because when my dad was struck by an Uber driver, instead of asking if he was ok and showing him compassion, they kept yelling at him to stay still while they gathered a statement from the driver, even though that driver killed my father, my father not having survived those very injuries. So yeah, I have a deep distrust of police. But to see this man’s story, a story full of as much and many more reasons to hold a grudge, to see how his life has overcome and elevated, is as inspiring as my fear of police run. I was also surprised by some of the names dropped along the way as people he found helpful in his journey to make the world a better, safer, more loving place. I don’t think I have in me the great heart he has, so I’m very grateful he has such a heart. We need more people like him. It was a privilege to read this book, which I did in one continuous sitting. Did not want to do anything else until I finished.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book about Antong's life. I was worried it would only be a book about how one race is dealt a crappy hand and only bad cops exist, but I was proven wrong and Antong's story was uplifting and eye opening. The up's and down's of Antong's life and how he is proof you chose your destination. I loved reading about the work he has done in the inner city of Dallas and tried to make real change in this world instead of just complaining about being dealt a crappy hand. Antong's story is truly remarkable and proof one person can make a change. Would love to see him speak in person someday!

[Roger Smitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Luxy tells a powerful story of how a young boy finds himself in prison. It was not a mistake of the prison system. That’s the first third of the book.

After we read the opening pieces, we know that there’s more about his life. It goes well. Maybe it’s a too long story about his life in prison.

The best of the book is the last third of the book. He shows not only how we got out of prison but created many things to help others in prison. That third of the book is the best for the ordinary reader who can see what the system make changes for the men in prison.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging and overall well written memoir. It was interesting to hear Antong's perspective and about his activism journey. I did feel the ending was a bit lacking and there were a few interactions that raised further questions for me that were not addressed. But I know his personal story is not finished, and am glad I got to read what there is so far.

Received in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Arnetta Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A must read Antong Lucky completely transformed his life and the lives of others!!

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Counterpoint Press for the physical copy I read along with the library audio.

Antong Lucky has lived a life of extremes. From being the founder and leader of the Dallas Bloods to being an advocate for peace and reconciliation in the same East Dallas neighborhood he uses to reign over, his story shows the power of redemption.

As a Dallas resident this book was especially poignant to me as I considered what I am doing to be involved in making my city a better place. That being said, this book lacked a certain sparkle for me. Antong's story is a fraught and emotional one and listening to him read it, I didn't feel those emotions come out. I still am gald I read this book, but I think it could have been much more engaging.