Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Willis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
This story began during the journey to be a part of my son’s life. At the time, I decided to separate from his mother due to the toxicity of the relationship. It angered her so much that she decided to run away with him, which led to me searching for them for almost two years. Initially, I wanted to write to him to explain to him everything I was doing to be a part of his life in the event that it never worked out the way I planned it to. During the writing process, I went to therapy which help me uncover my own childhood trauma, which most likely led to much of the decisions I made in the relationship with his mother. But also, it resulted in me understanding a lot of the decisions my parents made and forgiving them. Days before turning the book into editing I was contacted by my son’s mother to get full custody. Cherry on top.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were definitely struggles along the way. In addition to trying to reintroduce myself to my son after so long, I had to have patience with his mother to work towards a healthy co-parenting relationship. Several factors made that impossible. But luckily, now we are in a better space, and I’m proud of how we work together for him.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Aside from my corporate job, I’m most proud of the work I’m doing and have done towards helping the next generation of black men deal with trauma instead of recycling it. It will be more apparent in the things I’m doing next.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think I’m too vulnerable in my work sometimes. But I’d say that I’m a nerd for useless information. I’ll spend half a day learning about bullfrogs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Blackbanksy
Image Credits
Kenndra Lawrence
