Jackson Advocate * Jackson, Mississippi * October 18-24, 2007
By Christian Vance, Jackson Adocate Staff Writer

A new urban novel (Death Around the Corner) and its author (Corey Miller, bka C-Murder) took the capital city by storm last week.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, Miller began his tour touching base at several schools poromoting his book and bringing the message of choices and how the choices we make directly affect our lives. He wanted our young people to hear it from someone that they could relate to that they have to be aware of the consequences and results of the choices they make. Also, he wanted them to know that when they make mistakes the biggest mistake is to stay in that mistake. The choice, yes choice, is yours, whether or not you choose to learn from the mistake and allow it to make you a better person.

This is exactly what Miller decided to do. While bringing you the story of young Daquan Watson, he's also bringing you his own story. They both grew up in the mean streets of New Orleans' Callipe Projects. They both came from broken homes and eventually sent to be raised by grandmothers. They both made choices that tled to incarceration. They both saw signes that death was around the corner. The difference---the choices they made in the end. Daquan chose the streets which led to his demise. Miller chose to use his knowledge which led to new life, the birth of his novel.

Led by Conversations Book Club founder Cyrus A. Webb and the whole TRU family in tow (Corey Miller, founder/president; Kernell Reynolds, vice-president; Sincere Sosa, aritst; Bud, road manager; Lil' One, cousin; and Sabrina Green, fiance' of Miller) the tour went from area schools where Miller was met with much love to bookstores where fans swarmed the stores to capacity to hear his message and buy his book.

The first night ended with a private meet and greet with select fans and book lovers who had long awaited his arrival. Day two began with the Medgar Evers Library, which Miller was very excited about. He expressed a great appreciation for visiting a namesake site of such a wonderful man who made such a difference. Moving on to what I thought was the highlight of the day, Miller visited the Wal-Mart on HWY 18. Store Manager Eddie welcomed Miller at the entrance; he stated that he "considered it a privilege to have him there." Miller was then treated to a private reception with the Wal-Mart employees with a presentation of a very special artistically designed cake made by Wal-Mart associate Latosha McGriggs. Miller then greeted fans, took pictures and signed autographs in Wal-Mart's book section where his book had already sold-out.

People were present from all around. Crystal Springs Elementary Principal Cheryl Haynes brought some of her students out to the book signing. She stated that she "read the book and it reminded her of some of her students and that through his book Miller helped her to help them."

Marie Drones of Raymond said, "It's a blessing to have him here in Mississippi to see us. WOOOOO!" Meanwhile, her firend Mimi Chester, said, "I'm speechless." Also making an appearance to show their support, the Free Money Clique from Ambitious Records came out.

The tour's next stop was PEG Network where Miller did an interview with Cyrus Webb, airing this week. Moving right along we headed to the Richard Wright Library, where some students were overcome with giddiness and excitement as they saw the vehicle enter the parking lot. Library Branch Manager Debra Gilbert greeted students and welcomed them to the area set up for Miller to speak with students. She stated, "I think it is a good thing for him to come and reach out to the youth."

Schools represented at Richard Wright were Jim Hill High School, Provine High School, Power APAC, Wingfield High School, Peeples Middle School, and Alcorn State University.

My trip with Miller and the TRU family ended at Richard Wright, but the impact made will last for a lifetime. After spending the day with Miller and relating about my own personal struggles I felt connected to him in a collective effort to use our past experiences to change the lives and future of our children today.

Never judge a book or a person by its cover. Corey Miller (bka C-Mruder) said, "I gave it to them real, you feel me." It was real, and I felt it.

If you haven't already, get up and go on out and pick up Death Around the Corner by Corey Miller. If you don't, you'll be missing a treat chocked full of knowledge.