Lamont Carey served 11 years in prison for armed robbery along with selling guns and drugs. Despite this, he turned his situation around to share lessons with others. His first book, “The Hill,” was a hit in prison and when Carey was released. A poet, he started recording his poetry and became popular on the poetry scene, so popular that he received a call from Russel Simmons, himself, to be on the television show, “Def Poetry Jam.” Spoken word poetry became Carey’s first major platform. Once Carey had a following, he decided to publish “The Hill,” which became a three-part fiction series about life in prison. Carey also worked with a school district in Albany, N.Y. to publish a poetry book for students to use in class along with a book about using art to be an entrepreneur. His latest novel, “Dead Before 18,” guides young men in finding positive ways to handle anger and stay out of trouble. Carey also does motivational speaking and runs two companies: LaCarey Enterprises, focuses on helping youth express themselves though art, literature and spoken word and Contact Visits, which helps formerly incarcerated people transition back into society. One of Carey’s main goals is to improve the criminal justice system. While he has been fortunate with success, he realizes everything that is stacked against criminals, even after serving their time.