An Unspeakable Hope

Brutality, Forgiveness, and Building a Better Future for My Son

By: Leon Ford, Jeffrey Renard Allen

Narrated by: Leon Ford

A “powerful and insightful” (Cyntoia Brown-Long, author of Free Cyntoia) memoir in the vein of Just Mercy and The Sum of Us that upends our understanding about the future of policing in the United States and explores how we can begin healing from systemic injustice.

In 2012, nineteen-year-old Leon Ford was shot five times by a Pittsburgh police officer during a racially charged traffic stop stemming from a case of mistaken identity. When he woke up in the hospital, he was faced with two life-changing realities: he was a new father, and he was paralyzed from the waist down. Leon found the only way to move forward was to let go of his bitterness and learn to practice forgiveness.

Now, in this memoir and manifesto, Leon illustrates how this harrowing experience has inspired a deep reckoning with the issues his community is facing, not only with police brutality, but also an epidemic of street violence, toxic masculinity and its impact on Black fatherhood, and the lack of disability rights and mental health access in disenfranchised communities. In the wake of countless similar shootings across the country, Leon details how he turned towards social activism, dedicating himself to bridging the gap between the police and the communities they are supposed to serve.

With a voice filled with “healing, triumph, and resilience” (Shaka Senghor, bestselling author of Writing My Wrongs), Ford offers fresh, counterintuitive ways we can effect social change. Leon shows us how, together, we can move away from retribution and towards transformative justice in order to end police brutality and heal as a country. As he once said, “Lead with love. Start compassionate conversations even with individuals and systems that have caused you pain. I know from experience that you can make your pain purposeful.”

An Amazing Story

This book had me from the start. It is raw, honest, and really goes deep into Leon’s thoughts, raring, and power. You read this book and you feel like you not only know him, but like you know his family too.

A book requirement

This a book that should be read by all public servants. His story is gut wrenching but a great example of reconciliation, letting go of victim mentality and perseverance in spite of difficulties. I could have done without the swearing even though it is so much a part of life. I also think this should be required reading for high school students!

Raw and Rare

An honest portrayal of how easy it is to be caught up in a life that is a byproduct of your environment. A true “play the cards your dealt” story with highs and lows of gripping emotions.

Honest and deep. ❤️

This book goes beyond Leon’s story just as he’s so much more than his story. I am inspired and in awe of his beautiful soul and could feel his heart in his every word.

The reading by the author

To hear this story in, not only the authors own words, but through his voice was amazing!