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Changing Lanes Book Cover

Available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.ca/Changing-Lanes-First-Augustine-Obeng/dp/0994920474

Available on Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/changing-lanes-augustine-obeng/1124661429

eBook also on Indigo
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/changing-lanes/9990052212203-item.html

Author: Augustine Obeng

Augustine Obeng This is My Time
Augustine Obeng This is My Time

 

 

Invisible Extraordinaries: Augustine Obeng from Good Movement on Vimeo.

About

Augustine Obeng

Art Form:
Poetry/Motivational Speaking

Profile:
My name is Augustine Obeng, I am 29 years old, published writer, educator, motivational speaker, community leader, mentor and social worker from Jane and Finch. I have been working with youth for my community for several years now; and throughout my interactions with those youth, coupled with my experiences, I was inspired to right a book entitled “Changing Lanes – The First XXV”.

Changing Lanes is a Semi-Autobiographical depiction of my life, outlining/highlighting some of the obstacles that I had to over come in order to be where I am today. I believe that this book can serve as a true inspiration/motivation for youth in my community, and communities like it. My goal is to inspire; youth, young adults, mentees, mentors, students, educators, players, coaches, children, parents, citizens and policy makers. My aim is to inspire, and to illustrate that it is indeed possible to “Change Your Lane”, from a situation that may have been considered bleak, and hopeless to a situation that is positive and hopeful. In addition, with hard work, positive mentorship, and access to resources I believe that all parties involved will be able to benefit and enhance and edify themselves, this creating more productive citizens in or mutlti-Cultural society.

At this junction in my life I have used my lived experienced as a catalyst, one that has inspired me to gain entry into one of the most prominent Universities in North America, University of Toronto St George Campus. I am graduating this fall with my masters of social work, with a specialization in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency. This experience is one that will aid me in my life long goal of being an inspiration to others.

“Remember it’s never too late to Change Lanes”!

With Purpose,

Augustine

www.changing-Lanes.ca


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1. What most excites you about your art, and what role do you think artists play in the wider society?

Art is exciting to me because it is a medium where I can express my inner-most thoughts, feelings, successes, frustrations, and ambitions. I utilize the arts, in particular poetry, as a motivational and educational platform from which I can vent, philosophize and address many of the social injustices and inequalities that plague our society.

In addition, I illustrate the beautiful aspects of life and the world we live in; acting as a constant reminder that although the world we live in may look bleak, there is hope. In essence, the arts can act as a medium to help individuals cope, serving as a mechanism where people can heal.

2. Name one song that best describes you and your artistic practice.

“Some How, Some Way” by Jay Z ft Beanie Segal
“Changes” by Tupac Shakur

One song cannot suffice.

3. From storytelling to outdoor improv theatre, historically the African diaspora has rich legacies of diverse artistic practices. Why do you think this is so?

History is important to learn and study. Our people, as in individuals who come from the continent, have a rich history. Our kingdoms, society structures and way of life was diverse and complex. Not only in acting, theatre, literature, mathematics, sciences, astrology and spirituality; we are descendants of Kings and Queens. It is important to learn and study the past so we can see where we are now, and where we are heading.

It is my duty to learn the past and study, via research and conversations with elders, scholars and historians. Knowledge of self is essential. As an educator, it is my duty to then disseminate this truth and knowledge to the rest of society.

4. If you weren’t an artist what would you be and why?

I am many things, my identity is fluid. I wear many hats and my role changes according to my social setting, environment and time. I have had to adopt this mentality and way of living as a mechanism to survive. As Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ outlines, self-preservation is the most important and basic fundamental need. As such, my identity cannot be solely defined as one thing.

But for purposes of this question I would be a student, as I consider myself a student of life.

5. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am a believer of the Gospel and love my Lord and Saviour with all my heart. I would not be where I am if it was not for His love, grace and mercy.

My parents are instrumental figures in my life, and I live for my brothers and community. I love Jane and Finch, I am Jane and Finch, and I live my life in service and dedication to my community and hope to act as a positive role model and an ambassador for my neighbourhood. All of my friends that I have grown up with in the past, have played an instrumental role in my failures and successes; however, I act and serve as a voice for the voiceless (I represent all individuals who are victimized, vilified, marginalized, abandoned, neglected, hated, mistreated, murdered, shot, sick, and loved). I love Jane and Finch, and Jane and Finch loves me!


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Blog

Book Launch October 15, 2016

  Changing Lanes: The First XXV Book Launch!  See you there! October 15, 2016 – 292 College Street, Toronto, Ontario Sponsors www.mas-please.com @mas.please www.grandslammers1988.com @grandslammers @grandslammersapparel @gentlemen_hats www.datacrunch.ca facebook.com/DatacrunchIT/ Performers @reneethevoice | SoundCloud | Facebook @sam.asante @keonawillis | SoundCloud | Email @martelyt | YouTube | SoundCloud | Twitter @kohmusic | Email | GoFundMe @justus_forall @jaydahmann | Website | iTunes | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter @rootzkizzy | BandCamp | Email …