From a childhood filled with gang violence, illiteracy resulting in a 100+ year prison sentence, to a successful career as a speaker, author and Harvard Fellow - it sounds like something out of a Hollywood film. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with the "Ambassador of Hope," Andre Norman to discuss his incredible and inspiring journey, as well as the circumstances that shaped his decisions at a young age. You'll learn how he struggled with illiteracy and systemic racism in the inner city of Boston, and how they factor into his choices. You'll discover how the path he was on eventually led to a series of convictions, eventually resulting in a sentence of over 100+ years. You'll learn how a two-year stint in solitary confinement led to an epiphany and a new path for Andre's life... one that eventually led to Harvard University. You'll also learn how systemic racism and classism pervades the country and results in a society where 4% of the population makes up 50% of the prison system. Andre's story is powerful and ultimately triumphant. He is living proof that, while we all have the potential to rise above our circumstances, there is still a great deal of work to be done to create a society where every person has the opportunity to discover their greatness. Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: Andre's struggles with poverty and illiteracy growing up in the inner city of Boston. How he ended up with a 100+ year prison sentence. The epiphany that changed his life and put him on a path that eventually led to becoming the "Ambassador of Hope." The effects of the systemic racism and classism that still pervades the country. And so much more... Resources: Andre's website ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices