PUBLISHER’S NOTE About the Editor & a Sneak Peek on What’s in this Issue

Dear Readers, Welcome to the first edition of Falling Forward! As the editor and creator of Falling Forward, I would like to introduce myself. I was born in Columbia, South Carolina, to Abraham Mack and Bernice Johnson. I grew up in a middle-class family that wasn’t as sunny as it appeared from the outside. Growing up, I had to face numerous challenges. However, just when life seemed to be perfect, due to some wrong choices, I found myself serving 27 months at Alderson Federal Prison in West Virginia. This harrowing experience taught me to take full responsibility for my actions. It has inspired me to redirect others from taking the path I had taken. I continue to learn from my past mistakes and failures through a quiet and disciplined manner. I leaned strongly on my faith during my incarceration. My favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, reads, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. These words provided the spiritual fuel which pulled me through my ordeal, while also giving me the strength needed to go the distance. Furthermore, another beloved scripture, Hebrew 13:3, states, Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. This thought galvanized me to accept prison reform as a call from God. I continue to devote my life towards being all that God has designed me to be and employing all my gifts and talents. This has led to a talk show which is in the works, a new book and a magazine ready to be released. I also wrote and developed a program for prisoners consisting of both a book and a workbook titled, No More Shackles: 200 Ways to Freedom (Vols. 1 & 2). I am extremely happy and excited to present this brand-new bimonthly publication. I promise you it will be an interesting read with thought-provoking and compelling content. In this issue, we cover a vast range of topics, from politics, sports, entertainment, people, education, world news and much more.

On this issue’s cover, we have none other than our beloved Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United

States, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We honor her for her immense contribution towards fighting for the rights of women and minorities. Head to our Feature Story, where we give some insights into not just her professional life but also her personal life. We present you an interesting read about the nominee for Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris. In People’s page, we feature some heart-wrenching stories of African Americans who were wrongfully convicted. Don’t forget to check out our World News and Health pages, where we talk about the effects of the coronavirus on people of color. We also shed light upon one such issue that is often unaddressed: police brutality in the United States of America. For those of you who love reading topics that are inspiring and at the same time entertaining, turn to our Entertainment page, in which we covered the journey of Archie Williams, one of the top contenders in the popular American reality show, America’s Got Talent. We hope you will enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together for you!

If you have any suggestions, comments or queries, please email me at fallingforwardmagazine@gmail.com Best wishes Sharon D. Johnson

Falling Forward; Email : fallingforwardmagazine@gmail.com; Phone : + 1 (888)217-3849; Publisher & Editor : Sharon D. Johnson; Writer : Akhila Kakarala; On the cover: Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Cover Photographer: Randy Marso; Picture courtesy: pixabay.com & shutterstock.com; Printed by : Mixam; Distributed by : Media Solutions

Disclaimer :

Falling Forward Magazine is making every effort to make sure the content is accurate on the date of publication. The published material, advert, and editorials are published in good faith. Falling Forward Magazine cannot guarantee and accept liability for any losses or damage of any kind. All rights reserved and nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without a written consent. All photographs, unless otherwise indicated, are used for illustrative purposes only.