A Local Father, Magazine Publisher, Podcaster And Mentor Adds Author To His List of Accomplished Titles

Carl Dwayne West is the author of the newly release book entitled “The Power of Mentoring”. Photo provided by C. Dwayne West
Carl Dwayne West is the author of the newly release book entitled “The Power of Mentoring”. Photo provided by C. Dwayne West

A Local Father, Magazine Publisher, Podcaster And Mentor Adds Author To His List of Accomplished Titles


 

By Janice Garth


Inspired by a close friend to become an author, he decided why not.  Now Carl D. West has added yet another title to his already accomplished titles. He is now the author of his first book entitled “The Support System”.   Since writing and telling stories have come easy for him and because of his love for reading, it didn’t take long for him to decide to put his pen to work at his newest release.


West grew up on Chicago’s south side and was a product of the Chicago public school system graduating from CVS high school.    During West early year’s he was a Hip-Hop columnist for the Citizen Newspaper.  West’s works of writing gained notoriety around town quickly earning him an official title known to the newspaper crew as Chi-town’s hip-hop cultural aficionado. 


In the mid-eighties after watching the hip-hop musical and comedy-drama film entitled “Krush Groove” West decided to become a publisher, publishing his own bi-monthly magazine called the” Hip Hop Culture “TRUTH” magazine.  


The magazine’s purpose was to keep readers and the Hip-Hop cultural enthusiasts up to date with the industry’s developments.     The Magazine covered stories from Chicago to New York and beyond.  As one might recall the pint-sized magazine featured a bi-monthly sought out page call “Flavor”.  This page would feature individuals that someone needed to know.  Might I add that the page was daunted by what some men might call ‘eye candy’ or just a very attractive individual.  The magazine left no stones unturned in the world of hip-hop featuring interviews and photos of the industry’s hottest hit makers of that era. 


He continued down an uncharted path of building wealth.  He did it during a time when wealth building wasn’t popular among those who were financially stable or well off.

 West started the “CHI brand that produced T-shirts and caps that sported his ‘CHI’ logo boldly.    West continues to remain busy traveling between cities, producing his weekly podcast, running his mentoring initiative, publishing a daily e-blast and much more.  


The Citizen had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Carl West on the release of his first book.

Below is a Q & A that is designed to give you a clearer vision of West and his support system.

 

 

Citizen: West tell us how we got here. From the basketball court to fatherhood, tell us a little about you and what or who inspired you to take that huge step to becoming an

author?


West: The journey is long and winding. I can't mention who inspired me without highlighting Mr. Bill Garth, the now deceased former publisher of the Citizen. He, along with Henry English, Dr. Conrad Worrell, Greg Hinton, Clarence Wood, Robert Blackwell, Sr., Dr. Eric Whitaker, and a host of others who poured into me. I'm forever grateful to my elders who took the time to engage me and share how to build, collaborate, and serve. This is why my new book is so important. The Support System: Who Will Help Guide Me... The Power of Mentoring talks about how imperative it is to transform and inspire the next generation of leaders within our community.


Citizen: In your book you talk about building a brand and a legacy with a generational

Component of wealth attached to it.  Would you expound on why it is so important to you that not only memories are left behind but that one should leave financial stability for those who might carry the torches forward for decades to come?


West: It's pretty simple. To see our community continue to progress, the next level is for our extremely wealthy to invest in emerging innovators arising from America’s urban concrete jungles. We must build wealth so we can erect schools, establish great businesses that can employ thousands from the community, and ensure that we are preparing our families for 100 years down the road. There are so many massive brands that are worth hundreds of millions of dollars or even billions, and if we truly want to compete in this global economy, we need to see future business leaders leading the charge. Finally, the slogan "That wealth is also legislated," then we need our elected officials who come from our community to fight without hesitation or pause to ensure that federal funding is distributed to startups and established enterprises. And this is not charity, it's business! 



Citizen: What is your favorite chapter in the book.  Tell us why did you choose that particular chapter over the other chapters in the book?


West: Dang... the best chapter is actually not a chapter. It is my Author's Dedication and the Post Game Discussion. It allows me to list the many folks from my hood (Tuley Park/Chatham) who have helped me survive the concrete jungle and make it out of the hood like a rose growing with little to no sunlight. These people were my sunlight. They taught me how to be a strong young brother who became a King Lion. Also, I get the chance to mention the many people who came into my life and guided me through my entrepreneurial journey. These personalities were so valuable to me in becoming who I am today as a businessman and community leader. I can't talk about them enough...


Citizen: Tell us what message or the lesson do you want a person who reads

the book to come away with.  Also, tell us how you suggest that the reader apply your advice to their personal walks as an entrepreneur and come out as successful as you.


West: The only concern I want anyone who reads this book to know is how important it is for every person to help transform and guide lost and confused souls roaming our hoods who are stuck in rooms without a door. Our jobs are to help open doors for anyone who wants to find prosperity and walk down the yellow brick road to transformation. The book is also a way for me to contribute to building wealth as an entrepreneur and now an author. Find your purpose and passion, and live it well... Don't stop until you find your seat at the table of life!


Citizen: Trusting someone to put your work of words in writing the way you want to see

them is a major undertaking. When seeking the right publishing company who is

sensitive to your message, what should an inspired author look for?  We noticed that you chose a black owned and operated local press, the “Third World Press”.  Was your

decision to use them fueled by your associations with authors who have used them, talk to us about your decision.


West: Third World Press and its founder, Dr. Haki Madhubuti, who is an iconic poet and writer. The publishing house is the oldest and most accomplished publishing company in the world, and they have published books by Dr. Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Gwendolyn Brooks, and so many others. I have been chasing Haki down for over ten years to get him to publish my first book. I was not going to be satisfied with any other book imprint company. Two years ago, he finally had the time, and he saw extreme value in delivering this kind of literature to our community. I'm super pleased with the outcome of my lifelong dream to become an author.


Citizen: Now that the book is complete, tell us what was the most challenging thing

that you experienced while writing down things from memories.  We are sure the process was like being in a time capsule.  Tell us what you did to

overcome those challenges if any.


West: Yes, it's finally complete... It was my journey to Savannah, Georgia, that contributed to my finishing these Works of Words. I secluded myself in the southern state and city of Savannah for three months and committed to not surfacing until the book was complete. In my business and fast-paced life in the Chi, it was very hard to focus. Too many distractions. Savannah helped me find my "Piece of Peace!" I can't wait to go back this winter.


Citizen: What are your upcoming plans for the book going forward. The Holiday Season is upon us and giving a gift of knowledge can last a lifetime.  Tell us if you have finalized a date for your book tour.


West: I didn't want the book to come out in the fall/winter, but the publishing house had other titles that needed to come out, so I decided to do my book tour next spring. We will do a few key book signings this month to satisfy some responsibilities of organizations and companies that pre-ordered large amounts of books for which I'm grateful. But come spring of 2026, there will be over 50 stops on the book tour. Can't wait to have this discussion about the Power of Mentoring across the country, and mainly in public schools in our designated states in the Midwest, first. This book will be floating around for decades, and I will be utilizing the power of these Works of Words to speak at schools for the rest of my good life!


Citizen: Finally, West will you share with the readers who might be interested in getting a copy of the book, how they can do so.


West: Third World Press has a website dedicated to purchasing books: Visit, https://thirdworldpressfoundation.org/products/the-support-system?_pos=1&_sid=cc5fa220e&_ss=r. You can also visit my site at NspireU.Tech. I think it's on Amazon. The book will not hit bookstores until the spring of 2026.


For more information on what’s next for Carl West, you can follow him on his social media platforms, YouTube channel@ (midwestgap) or subscribe to his daily e-blast at NspireU.Tech .  If you have questions for West or would like to send him a personal message you can do that by sending an email to: midwestgap@gmail.com.

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