You're The Answer To The Problem: From the Hood to Harvard and Back Again

Shavonne M. McMillan, M.Ed.

Middle School Principal

“I’m awed at how Lewis was able to magnify the journey of the black man/boy through the lens of physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, poverty, death, education, and love. Lewis’s life speaks to the saying, “your present situation is not your final destination.” A must read for all who aspire to be GREAT!”

Eric Rhett Jr.

Black Entertainment Television (BET)

In a time where our young black men are in crisis, Lewis Spears unapologetically uses his experiences growing up in various hoods in Jersey City, New Jersey, as an example to encourage others to shift the paradigm of negative stereotypes into positive outcomes. His message is simple: Growing up in the projects is not the end-all, it is the beginning of leading a life of purpose and doing your part for the betterment of your community. Lewis invites you to walk in his shoes as he learns to navigate the streets and endure familial dysfunction at home. Recognizing that mediocrity is not an option, he focused on school and took advantage of opportunities to broaden his knowledge. Lewis’s story is both a coming of age and coming full circle exhibition of finding your purpose, paying it forward, and selfless service to others. He hopes that readers will be inspired to do more in their communities.

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“Lewis Spears has captured the true realities that most young black men go through in life in this book - I can truly relate and so can the 87 boys in my school. Being a young black man in South Africa, your journey is set up for failure by the system that has been created by the Apartheid era and when you succeed, it is seen as a miracle. Lewis clearly points it out that we are also programmed to believe that we as black men are not meant to succeed by our townships (hoods).

You’re the Answer to the Problem, gives a solution to many issues that young black men can relate to and deep insight into what went wrong in most societies. One fact that is also made very clear in the book is that the problems that are in our townships (Hoods) are there for us to solve. It is a guide to true introspection and awareness for men in today's generation.”

James Malope

Principal (Headmaster)

LEAP Science and Maths School, South Africa

“The human experience is a complex, and often winding journey of self-discovery, healing, agency, and self-realization. You’re the Answer to the Problem: From the Hood to Harvard and Back Again, is an intimate and transparent story of a man’s transformative experience of examining his own life to find purpose, understanding, and most importantly, compassion and empathy for himself. Lewis Spears uses stories and examples from his life, coupled with conceptual applications from Mathematics, to impart wisdom to his readers about how black and brown boys can transcend their circumstances. As a Black woman who walked the path from the “hood” to realizing my own purpose, it was gaining the understanding that life is not happening to you but you to it that ultimately changed the trajectory of my life. This book is a tool to help its readers to apply this philosophical concept to real life and step into their greatness.”

Dr. Ayanna S. Kersey-McMullen, DO, MSPH

“You’re the Answer to the Problem, is a pivotal message to young black and brown males today, that they have the power to be the change that they want to see. With so many negative statistics on the plight of these young men with regard to high incarceration rates, gang affiliations, drugs, and violence, Lewis offers his
life story as a perfect illustration that they can also turn the negative statistics into positive, life-changing outcomes. His book is a must-read message of hope, empowerment, and paying it forward.”

Dr. Alex Ellis

Founder, Tied To Greatness