A Message From: The Tattooed Ape

          What a long, strange trip it's been. Through all the peaks and valleys, twists, turns, highs and lows I traveled them all even experiencing a few potholes along the way. But I have finally arrived at my destination and a place that if I could be totally transparent I NEVER SAW COMING! I've been blessed to be doing this for 10 plus years. A decade plus of triumph, dominance, disappointment and more importantly redemption. If you will indulge me for a few brief moments I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people. First and foremost, I wouldn't be here without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for you have given me the strength to endure, create and thrive. Without you these 27+ published titles would not be possible! Nor would the other 7 titles in the pipeline. Secondly, all the wonderful individuals who have graced me with their presence by stopping by my various Con booths to say "hello", snap a selfie, grab an autograph or purchase a title or 2. I say to all of you that there would be no "SILVERBACK" without any of you THANK YOU! Thirdly, to the little old man who saw something in me way before I ever saw it in myself Allen, THANK YOU! Fourthly, to the promoter that took a chance giving a corner booth to a 1 time punk kid from New York with bottle rimmed glasses who had no friends but a dream in his heart and a pencil in his hand THANK YOU! Fifthly, to the woman who was not only my 1st crush in life and eventually someone who I would someday call a close friend who told me "to BOLDLY GO!" Nichelle, THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU ALWAYS, I MISS YOU!

          Next, to the "Con" man that stiffed me and screwed me over THANK YOU! Thank you for showing me the crooked and evil side of this business. Because of you I now know how not to be treated. Your shystie practices showed me what my true value really is! OUR PATHS WILL CROSS AGAIN AND I PROMISE THE SAME WIDE EYED ARTIST TOU SCREWED YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY DOUBLE FOR THAT CUSTOM PIECE AT MY BOOTH

          To the parents and grandparents that allowed me to speak to their little ones and eventually lay the groundwork for whatever they become in this life I say THANK YOU for trusting me with them. Lastly, to the beautiful young lady who came back into my life after 25 years during my darkest days (literally) you not only guided me through it but also helped me find my way back to “Him”. I'm so grateful and fortunate to be able to have you by my side to see me once again in my element. For that I give you the biggest THANK YOU! Recently I had an unexpected epiphany as it was brought to my attention as I was given my flowers that I have paved the way for a whole new generation of African-American artists and authors. In now way do I take that acknowledgement lightly. I take it with gratitude, gratefulness and humility. The last 10-plus years as I said earlier were filled with everything from one side of the emotional spectrum to the other, and I honestly can't wait to see what the next 10-years have in store. So…

With a grateful heart, I thank you all!
"SILVERBACK" 
(The Tattooed Ape)