Former prisoner turns author and mentor, shares his book to empower youth

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A local author helping to make a positive difference in the lives of young and old men and children in the community.

“Continue to be a beacon of light and hope to children and adults who have experienced my story and are now seeking to give back,” said “All You Can Be” author Aaron Kinzer.

A second chance to help people – young and old – make good first choices.

This victory was Aaron Kinzer’s goal after serving time in federal prison for drug offenses. Now he has the chance to freely spread his knowledge and wisdom.

“I lived that negative lifestyle once in my youth and I saw where it could lead me; and I saw where it could lead them too. That’s why this book is important now because it gives children the opportunity to be shaped… the book can help children internalize their own motivations and see themselves in a positive light…”

Kinzer’s main goal with “All You Can Be” is to steer children away from the path he chose. He says it shows kids that they can be anything, even if their only experience has been crime.

“To combat youth violence, you have to say that the violence usually comes from something bigger than we see. The violence is the fruit, but there is something at the root that causes a child to own a gun in the first place.”

An idea that Kinzer himself lives out as an author, poet, journalist and mentor.

“I’m part of an organization called MANHOOD Tour. With this organization, we reach out to young men and boys, support them, mentor them – sometimes. We work with the Richmond District Court and can catch them and are almost an alternative to incarceration.”

Bria: “I have to ask: Do you believe that you are everything you can be…”

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Usually everyone sees the tip of an iceberg, and it is so magnificent and majestic. But beneath the surface of the water there is usually a huge, huge block of ice that you don’t see, and it has untapped potential and energy that the world has not yet discovered…” Kinzer said.

Kinzer says he hopes to help others discover that potential for themselves.