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About The Author

Kareem Hayes found his passion for writing and storytelling at an early age. David Dinkins, the mayor of New York City at the time, published Kareem’s poem “Heart Beat” when Kareem was twelve years old. His many accolades include speaking in front of thousands, opening for Jesse Jackson, and being one of the top youth long-distance runners on the east coast. Kareem is more than an author; he’s a griot who uses the power of his words and charisma to empower and inspire.

However, his life journey was not without hardship. In fact, tragedy and triumph competed for his soul. He grew up in a dysfunctional household where drug abuse and domestic violence were constant realities—not to say that his childhood was all bad. His father taught him discipline and structure, while his mother showed him triumph and compassion in her battle with drug addiction.

Kareem ran away at age thirteen and spent many of his teenage years in juvenile detention centers and foster care. He soon discovered the Nation of Gods and Earths, which fueled his quest for purpose and spirituality. As a teen, he was an enigma, to say the least: too nerdy for street kids, and too street for the nerds, but able to blend in with both crowds.

On the streets of Harlem, he earned the name INFINITY for his never-ending wisdom, relentless approach to any obstacle, and wordy lyricism. Even with his “urban” endeavors, he found time to moonlight as a councilor and award-winning youth producer for Harlem Children Zone community centers. The duality of his lifestyle is ever-present in his personality, cadence, and style. He went from being homeless at seventeen, to the cells of Rikers island, to being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 21.