We had the good fortune of connecting with Mallah-Divine Mallah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mallah-Divine, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
When I define success I do not see it from a monetary viewpoint or status. In my opinion, it is did I achieved what I wanted to and kept my integrity in the process. That is very important because you hear many stories of people who compromised themselves for society’s standard of success. If you lose honor in the process then how successful are you?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If you write or do anything creatively you understand it is a passion. This passion consumes you until you get it out of your system making room for it to engulf you again.

I have been writing steadfastly since I was 23 years old starting with poems and then morphing into novels while I was incarcerated. When I started to do social justice advocate on the CloseRikers Campgian and work professionally with justice-involved youth I felt like a hypocrite. It came from me not telling my story. It forced me to tell my story and write my memoir called Prison Survival Hell’s Prism. up until that point, I just saw myself as a fiction writer.

The challenge for me was to believe in my authorship and self-published my books. I think the era we live in favor independent-minded people. When you publish yourself you learn by doing and each book published allows you to learn more about the process.

When I write books or blogs I bring a unique perspective based on my street, college, social justice advocacy, and professional experiences.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother has been one of my strongest supporters and advocates. She has been through the harsh times in my life with no judgment. Just unconditional support and love.

Website: www.mallahdivinemallah.com

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