Carmen Garner Sr. was born and raised in Springfield Massachusetts where he faced many trials and tribulations at a young age. Carmen was aware that most kids did not grow up the way he did. He grew up in the projects and in crack houses. As a child he watched his mother beg for crack. He saw his mother, uncles and aunts use needles filled with heroin. He watched his mother dies. His brother was sentenced to life in jail. He lived in 17 different homes before setting out on his own at the age of 15. With the help of a few concerned people, Carmen went on to graduate high school and attend Westfield State University. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and went on to become an art teacher in the Washington D.C. public school system. Carmen shares his story of struggle, tragedy and triumph in his memoir, From That to This. With the use of original artwork, poems, and heart wrenching memories, From That To This chronicles Garner’s youth in Springfield as a troubled young man with the will and determination to succeed. Artistic by nature, Carmen also expressed himself through his artwork painting and drawing portraits, landscapes and still life in watercolor, oil, charcoal, acrylic, pencil and other formats. He is the founder and facilitator of the “MAN TALK” program at Hardy Middle School in Washington D.C. The Mission of “MAN TALK” is to mold young men to into young men of excellence by tapping into their greater potential. “MAN TALK” gives young men the opportunity to experience the leadership and successes associated with becoming productive members of society. Carmen lives in Maryland with his wife Sabrina and has two children, Carmen Jr. and Aarin.

Be the first to comment