It Is What It Is: Systematic Incarceration / Disguised Racism - The Autobiography of Gerald H. Duffy, Jr.

The most explosive, dynamic, and compelling autobiography ever written from behind the walls of the United States Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Now, after continuously serving more than 20 years inside some of the most violent, dangerous, and drug infested Federal penitentiaries throughout this nation, Gerald Hawthorne Duffy, Jr. finally tells his story. As an African-American, Duffy was raised in Southern Mississippi (by far one of the most racist and poverty stricken regions in this nation); reared in private Catholic institutions; ran away from home at the age of 15 after experiencing child abuse and domestic violence; was an elite high school football and track athlete; went on to attend college and was awarded one of the highest academic honors as a freshman; yet became a central figure in the largest and most profitable Federal cocaine conspiracies to originate from Southern Mississippi in the late 80s through the early 90s whose networking centers extended as far as Miami, New York, and Houston. This story depicts Duffy's childhood years, takes a glimpse into the struggles of college life, and a look into the vicious "underworlds" of America. It is intertwined with statistical facts and professional analysis concerning African Americans financial, social, educational, and political conditions in the United States. Duffy exposes the so-called "War on Drugs," unveils who that war is actually being waged against, and reveals the true hidden agenda behind the White Power Structure in America. The book explains that by targeting black men through the War on Drugs, and decimating communities of color, the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control. He exposes this new racial caste system, and suggests the solution for which it is to be dismantled. The book finally shows that with knowledge of self, along with a sound education, we can all change and become productive leaders and pillars of our communities. Very inspirational, educational, and a must read for anyone seeking change.

For all that preambles, this is not just a book that outlines my experiences and adventures in life, another dope-boy story, or even a lengthy prison saga. Instead, I’ve tried to make this book a learning and growing experience for anyone who might take the time to read it. ＂IT IS WHAT IT IS: SYSTEMATIC INCARCERATION / DISGUISED RACISM＂ is a movement for others to learn from the bad decisions I’ve made throughout my lifetime and specifically a wake-up call for all African-America youth. It’s time for us to wake up and see what is happening to our beautiful race of people. If at the end of the day this book helps one person, (African-American or otherwise) become a better person, and contribute to the solution, and not to the problem, then my mission for writing was accomplished. Thank you again for all who took the time to read this book, and as the old saying goes, ＂IT IS WHAT IT IS.＂ In closing, I would like to leave the reader with these few thoughts: My mother taught me how to love and keep positive plans; Universities and colleges taught my mind to expand; The streets taught me how to survive and live off the land; However, Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary changed me from a boy to a man. Gerald Hawthorne Duffy, Jr.