Ameer Baraka is a dyslexic who did not learn to read until he was an adult because his dyslexia was not diagnosed when he was a child. His descent into the criminal life of New Orleans and his ascent from that life to become a successful actor, producer, and mentor to youth throughout the country is an inspiring story. Now an author of “The Life I Chose…The Streets Lied to Me” and a successful actor, Ameer knows about the temptations and “traps” of growing up poor, Black, and illiterate in the streets of New Orleans. From dealing drugs to doing time in prison, this juvenile delinquent turned actor, author, and educator is also doing life-transforming work with wayward youth.