Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns

A Pardoned Man's Escape from the School-to-Prison Pipeline and What We Can Do to Dismantle It

By: Michael Phillips

Narrated by: Michael Phillips

The unforgettable true story of one man’s escape from the school-to-prison pipeline, how he reinvented himself as a pastor and education reform advocate, and what his journey can teach us about turning the collateral damage in the lives of our youth into hope.

“A heart-wrenching and triumphant story that will change lives.” (Bishop T. D. Jakes)

Michael Phillips would never become anything. At least, that’s what he was told. It seemed like everyone was waiting for him to just fall through the cracks. After losing his father, suffering a life-altering car accident, and losing his college scholarship, Michael turned to selling drugs to make ends meet. But when his house was raided, he was arrested and thrown into a living nightmare.

When it looked like he would be sentenced to spend years behind bars, the judge gave him a choice - go to a special college program for adjudicated youth or face the possibility of a 30-year prison sentence. It wasn’t hard to pick. From that choice, a mission was born - to help change the system that shuffles so many young Black men like Michael straight from school to prison. Today, Michael is the pastor of a thriving church, a local leader in Baltimore, and a member of the Maryland State Board of Education. He discovered that education was the path to becoming who he was created to be.

Armed with research, statistics, and his powerful story, Michael tackles the embedded privilege of the education system and introduces ideas for change that could level the playing field and reduce negative impacts on vulnerable youth. He explores ways in which the listeners can help advocate and provide resources for students, and points us to the one thing anyone can start doing, no matter who we are or what our role is: speak into young kids’ lives. Tell them of their inherent worth and purpose.

In this inspiring, thought-provoking, and energizing call to action, Michael’s practical steps provide a way forward to anyone wanting to help create space for collateral hope in the lives of for young people around them.

©2021 Michael Phillips (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Michael Phillips is like a son to me. He has become a voice of hope for this generation. Having overcome profound challenges, he now speaks for the forgotten children of our society with honesty and power. His story will touch your heart, make you think, and inspire you to act until we can say together that ‘all the children are well.’”—Bishop T. D. Jakes, chairman of the board for T. D. Jakes Foundation, bestselling author and award-winning filmmaker, and senior pastor of the Potter’s House

“Do not mistake this book for just one more ‘overcoming hardship’ story. This is a book about America: our race relations, justice system, and tragically dysfunctional schools. It is a book about faith and being human. So often, taking on such vast topics risks oversimplification. By contrast, this is a highly intelligent, finely nuanced, and deeply moving book. Here is a testimony, above all, to lived intelligence—illuminating our national traumas from one man’s personal experience without sentimentality. It is a remarkable book in every sense of that word.”—Dr. David Steiner, executive director of Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy

Eye Opening

I loved this story. it has been eye opening oh how I'm ready now.

Must read

Must read!
Thank you, Dr. Michael Phillips for sharing how we all need 2nd, 3rd…6th chances to get to our purpose! Please continue to share as you continue to inspire others to do (taking action NOW!).
May God continue to bless you!
Lady Kavita

Wrong lane have right turns

It was well written. Truthful and very inspiring for me. I thank god for this book

Great story that imparted great wisdom

This story is one that needs to be told in Scholls across the country. Teachers and students can benefit from hearing about the different dynamics contributing to the school to prison pipeline.

Good book. Good listen.

Michael Phillips has a way of portraying his story and inspiring you at the same time period I enjoyed the book and would encourage people to download and listen :)

Exceptional, very insightful and inspiring.

Loved this book. ❤️ I am going to buy and/or tell every young man about this book.

Amazing

Amazing! Both he and his wife have voices of wisdom that can and will impact this generation and generations to come.

A powerful story with a timely message

I loved this book! Michael Philips does such an amazing job of sharing the tragedies of his life through a growth mindset lens while simultaneously acknowledging the limitations life placed on him. He expertly weaves his personal story with evidence of larger problems in our communities making the story more about people than himself. Deflecting a bit of the focus in such an organic and thoughtful way. As someone who’s path shares similar ups and downs, it was one of the first books in the development space that I felt comfortable reading from front to back because my understanding and comprehension came from my loved experience and not academic prowess. I recommend this book to anyone who loves redemption stories, books about growth mindset, or who like fact supported ideas on how we can make a difference in our world today without hatred and division. Michael Philips, well done, sir. Well done!

Necessary Read

Challenging beyond words!! EVERY EDUCATOR AND POLITICIAN SHOULD READ IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN!! Change is possible!!

Great story & thought provoking.

Always enjoy your preaching. This book was quite enlightening about our education system & how overcoming is possible.