Writers LIVE: Kevin Shird, Uprising in the City: Made in America

Uprising in the City explores the unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray. While describing the protests and violence, the book draws on author Kevin Shird's observations, experiences, and feelings as a Baltimore native and national youth advocate dedicated to helping inner city youth understand and escape the perils of street culture. Shird includes extensive interviews with key people in Baltimore and discusses how to break the cycle of problems which have plagued Baltimore for decades. The book looks at other American cities which are facing many of the same issues as Baltimore. It offers solutions on how to reduce the poverty rate, educate the media, improve education, reduce arrests, and find alternatives to present crime fighting strategies.Kevin Shirdis the author of the memoir, Lessons of Redemption. After serving time in federal prison, he now advocates for young people and policy changes. He collaborates with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy to promote substance abuse awareness. He also serves on Baltimore's Heroin Treatment and Prevention Task Force.Writers LIVE programs are supported in part by a bequest from The Miss Howard Hubbard Adult Programming Fund. Recorded On: Wednesday, September 14, 2016