A Good Day to Die. James Hendricks

       ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      First and foremost I want to give praise to my Lord, Allah, who has truly blessed me. Next in line is the love of my life, my strength and support, my wife, Lisa L. Barnes. I want to say “I love you” to my children: Marvell Barnes, Marcus Barnes, Markel Barnes and my stepson, MarJuan Barnes. Thank all of you for loving me unconditionally.

      I want to thank my uncles: Steve Emmons, Samuel Smith, David Caster and Anthony Caster for giving me the game from a male perspective. My lil’ cousin Leekemia “Deon” Caster for always being there, Love.

      My grandmother, Ruth Brown, I love you. My favorite aunt, Rhonda L. Campbell. My other aunt, Oletha “Lisa” Campbell, Tira Seals and Toni Seals. Thank all of you for giving me the female side of the game. I love you all.

      I want to say “what up?” to all of my little cousins because it is too many of ya’ll to name at this present time. Tasheka Russell, Precious Seals, Steven Rice and Alisa Alexander, you four could always make me smile.

      I want to say “thank you” and “I love you” to both of my godmothers whom were there for me at different and difficult times in my life. Brenda D. Smith-Cooper and Diane “Mama J” Johnson. My god kids, Sarai and Sammie Johnson. I love you both. My god brothers, Wiley “Waldo” Johnson and Benjamin “Bobo” Johnson. My god father, Eddie “Gingerbread” Fryer who’s still too smooth and young in heart. The coolest mother-in-law I could ever have, Marlene Barnes. I love you all.

      My brother who has always preached to me, especially when I didn’t want to hear it, Thelonious Hobdy. I’m ready to listen. The truest friend I ever had, Odell Arnold. Be patient because I got you. My adopted lil’ brother, Timothy “T” Pierce, who believed in me and this book more than anyone, including myself. A person who has helped me out a lot, Christian “O.J.” Riley. Some real men: Karlos “Pudgey” Mayhew, Terrance “Boolash” Stokely, Brock “Bookie” Spaulding, Dontarion “Don-Don” Nolan, Randy “Ray-Ray” McNeil and Marko “Tabu” McGee. Jessica Randolph for helping me out when I really needed help. Despite our differences, you still my girl.

      Some brothers who really got fucked in the game like myself, CCA: Bobby “B.O.” Suggs, Seantae “P-Long” Suggs, Terrance “T” Dilworth, Columbus “Nate” Malone, last but definitely not least, Terraun “Boo Rock” Price. Bronx member Jason “J-Boo” Best. As long as we’re still breathing we got hope and hope can be very powerful when believed in. Our day will come but until it does, practice patience and stay strong, focused and true to y’all principles. We gone make it!!

      Finally, I want to send thank you’s to Anthony Whyte, Jason Claiborne and the whole Augustus Publishing Family (The Dream Team). Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell the world my stories. The slogan: Go Hard or go home, is for real.

      A note to all Vice Lords, Gangster Disciples, Latin Kings, Bloods, Crips and every other organization influencing our youth, it’s time to get away from the gang-bang mentality that was instilled within us and put our focus back on uplifting our communities as it is supposed to be. It’s time to guide our youth back to the proper path. We are their leaders and they are the leaders of the generation.

      Peace and Love,

      BayBay