Pressure: From FBI Fugitive to Freedom

by Malik Wade

Pressure is Malik Wade’s compelling, brutally honest description of his descent into the underworld, his years as a FBI fugitive, his incarceration, and his ultimate redemption. Wade began dealing drugs in San Francisco’s infamous Sunnydale housing project at age 15. By 19, his network reached from the Bay Area to Washington, DC. By 22, he had made the FBI’s wanted list. By 29, he was serving a 14-year stretch in federal prison.

In prison, Wade began a rigorous program of self-improvement. He would emerge from the darkness of prison a changed man. Once released, he enrolled in Stanford Law School’s Project ReMADE entrepreneurship program and began speaking about his experiences at UC Berkeley and other universities. Then in 2013, Wade founded the Scholastic Interest Group, a nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk youth.

In addition to a gripping personal story, Pressure is also social commentary. Wade chronicles the societal forces that shaped him, and he explodes many of the myths about drug dealers, prison, and growing up in the inner city. A vivid, authentic account of the triumph of the human spirit, Pressure is a revelation with the power to open minds and change hearts.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2017

About the author

Malik Wade was born and raised in low-income housing in San Francisco, CA during the 80’s at the peak of the crack cocaine epidemic that swept through America's inner cities. Malik was a good student and superior athlete, but his life would change forever when he sold his first rock of crack cocaine at the age of 15. Over the next two decades Malik would experience a turbulent, yet amazing, personal transformation.

Malik is a leading voice for youth and is currently spearheading a national youth mentoring movement to help save the lives of young people in inner cities and underprivileged communities. Malik Wade is a mentor, author, entrepreneur and thought leader whose story of personal transformation has motivated and inspired many.

Reviews

[Crystal Zavala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take the time to read and appreciate Malik's story.

For the last few days I have been reading Pressure: from FBI Fugitive to Freedom. Jeff Adachi, San Francisco Public Defender, wrote the foreward. Adachi writes, "Although it can serve as a primer for those seeking a better understanding of social justice, Malik's story is written in a way that speaks directly to inner city youth and other victimized by poverty, overcriminalization, and inadequate education. They, too, need to read this book and apply its lessons." Please take the time to read and appreciate Malik's story. 📖

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won the kindle version in a Goodreads giveaway. This was a very interesting book. Well worth the read.

[Paul Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about a dope dealer who was sentenced to prison for 14 years but became a mentor to underprivileged kids after being released from prison.

[Christi M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely inspiring read! What a fantastic story about overcoming what, by all intents and purposes, seems to be a predestined path in life. Absolutely love it!

[Beverly Rouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story of a former drug dealer now motivational speaker and community servant leader. I appreciated his honesty about his life and his accountability for his actions. It is a reminder that compassion has a place and an opportunity can be just what someone needs to open the door to a second chance at life. This book is also a reminder that we need to do more to help inmates navigate life outside of prison or we are just adding to the stress and challenges of trying to adapt to a new life which may be too overwhelming. It was informational and it captured my attention making me want to know more.

[Lavender]

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I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.