Shaka Senghor, who will receive the Terrie M. Williams Inspirational Award at the 2026 National Book Club Conference, is an inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and author of the New York Times bestselling books Writing My Wrongs and Letters to the Sons of Society. A sought-after resilience expert and recognized “Soul Igniter” in Oprah’s inaugural SuperSoul 100, Senghor has captivated and transformed global audiences with his extraordinary journey from incarceration to influence.

Through raw authenticity and profound insight, he doesn’t just share his story—he equips others with the exact resilience practices that fueled his own remarkable transformation, proving that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s within everyone’s reach.

About How To Be Free. .

Do you ever feel held back by self-doubt, trapped by past narratives, or paralyzed by fear of failure? These feelings are what Shaka calls Hidden Prisons—and they affect everyone, from CEOs and professional athletes to students to parents. But here’s the breakthrough: these prisons have doors.

How to Be Free is a roadmap for breaking free from whatever’s holding you back.

Drawing from profound lessons he learned during his 19 years in prison—including 7 in solitary—Shaka reveals the mindset and practices that transformed his own life, and that can help anyone build their own foundation of freedom.

Through simple daily practices like journaling, meditation, mindfulness, and creative expression, he shows you how to turn your vision into action and step into your full potential—from deepening your relationships to achieving the career success you’ve always wanted.

In this book, you’ll learn how to:

• Transform your biggest setbacks into your greatest comebacks
• Discover sustainable joy instead of fleeting happiness
• Cultivate your mindset to stay composed when everything falls apart
• Transform vulnerability into your greatest strength
• Break the cycles of grief, anger, and shame
• Protect your energy while still showing up for others
• Create your personal blueprint to true freedom

How to Be Free gives you the inspiration and practical steps to make real change feel possible. Your freedom starts now. Visit www.shakasenghor.com to learn more.