Convicted in the Womb: One Man's Journey from Prisoner to Peacemaker

by Carl Upchurch

An unforgettable true story of gang warfare and a bold manifesto for addressing racial injustice, from a former gang member and renowned lecturer
 
“An inspiring personal litany of human renewal and accomplishment. Upchurch gives us hope that we can change society.”—Dr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson, author of  The Assassination of the Black Male Image
 
Once Carl Upchurch was an elementary school dropout fighting for survival on the streets of South Philadelphia, a gang member wedded to a life of violence, a bank robber facing a future in federal penitentiaries. Now he is a respected community organizer and one of the most compelling and visionary leaders of the civil rights movement. 
 
Catapulted into the national spotlight following his organization of a summit that brought together the country's most notorious gangs, Carl Upchurch has found himself in direct conflict with other African American civil right leaders. This is his scathing critique of the established civil rights movement and his plan for solving the critical problems facing today’s urban American.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

257 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to have had an opportunity to read this book. Upchurch clearly explains through his own history, how difficult it is for one, born into a life of poverty and violence, to pull himself out of it. It isn't a matter of laziness, but of not knowing other options are available or possible to them. A devastatingly negative mindset of themselves and their worth is created from birth.
There is so much more we can do to solve this problem, but probably the most important is to change ourselves from harsh judges who blame the poor for their poverty to understanding the overwhelming trials and obstacles they face with compassion, being willing to step out of our comfort zone and provide encouragement and recognize the individual's worth, no matter where they are, have been, what they look like or sound like.

[Maria Shade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for class and it’s one of the most enlightening books about the prison system, gangs, the cycle of violence those in poverty experience, and what a little hope can do for someone. I would recommend this to everyone

[D. DeTo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was life changing for me. I read it many years ago. It still resonates with me. First, Upchurch demonstrates that literature can truly change lives. He reinforces the power of books. In addition, his story is one of true transformation, hope, and change. Reading about Carl's childhood required a box of tissues. No child should have gone through his formative years and early life. He ended up in the system from a young age. However, his resilience and heart provide him with hope. Literature truly saves lives and changes lives. Carl's story is an example. I also enjoyed reading of his work with gangs and belief in change. After reading, I often give books away. I keep one bookcase with my treasured books. This is one of them. I often look at it and remember... one book can change a person's life.

[Dingaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautifully written book detailing the dynamics that exist between blacks and whites in America, in fact in the whole world. it enhances a critical appreciation of such relations with a view to minimizing conflict situations that continuously exist...

[Michele Varner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was mind changing and life changing for me. I have recommended and bought this for so many people! MUST read for any individual who didn't grow up being a POC and in poverty, and also for those who did.

[Betsy]

Recommended by Kim Rosen in Saved by a Poem

[Alice Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of this book was a much more fun and interesting read. Hearing and understanding this man's childhood was much more enjoyable that hearing his rant on his gang summit.

I guess he will feel like a failure at my assessment...the whole reason he exposed his childhood was to try and help convince people that the solutions that he and other gang members have come up with for our societal woes are the ONLY solutions...just don't agree with that.

However, I am grateful for a greater understanding. I just think that his reasoning is a little skewed...he talks about rising above vicitimization, yet can't seem to let go of it.

[Doopa00 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope Upchurch continues to be an effective inner cities organizer.

His book offers offers reassurance that the impoverished and
"at risk" youth in America do not have to be written off, if effective opportunities are given to them and local governments are able to work with the unofficial authorities within their communities.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have met this author who is not longer with us and he is spectacular. He has really made a difference in many lives!

[Taj Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Puts me in the mind of "Makes Me Wanna Holler"