To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Marcé Dalyah I hope all of you are in the best of health, mind, and spirit. I am the founder of a youth organization called “RICH REBEL SOCIETY”.  I was born and raised in Norfolk Virginia. During my childhood in Norfolk like many other youth lived in public housing, was raised by a single mother, and lost my father at an early age. My goal as well as my aim is to afford youth who have or are in danger of experiencing some of the same struggles that I had as a child new opportunities.

The focal point is to expose the youth to the concept of social misguidance from a bonafide vantage point. My program’s aim is to address the on-going issues associated with at risk youth engaging in gun violence, gang activity, and the growing recidivism rate. Now the question one may ask is how am I qualified more to run a youth program and what would make this program more viable than others? Well the answer to that question is my humble story.  

I was expelled from school at 11 yrs. old and placed on probation for the first time by age 12. Then due to my family’s economic hardships and a toxic environment I became a drug dealer by age 14. Along with that came other crimes, which led my life in a downward spiral. Most things were done just to survive the world I was forced into, so by age 15, I was placed in an alternative school (S.E.C.E.P.). Shortly after that I was sent to boot camp, as well as Tidewater Detention Center. Eventually I was sent to the upstate juvenile prison in Richmond Virginia called Bonair.  I was released and then at age 16 I was certified as an adult for robbery and placed in Sussex 1 maximum state prison. That’s right I was 16 years old in an adult prison and this was supposed to rehabilitate me. Well as you read on you will confirm the thoughts you are probably having at this point, it only made things worse and mentally traumatize me.

After my release in 2006 I started a music career and was making major head way on my chosen career path at that time. I was awarded an appearance on a top ranking show on the BET network, “106& Park”. I even achieved signing a recording contract with “J Records, all within 7 months of my release. The only problem was my mindset had not changed, therefore, two days after my signing I was named in a multiple weapons violation in New York. Needless to say, I LOST MY RECORD DEAL.

At that time I was convicted and placed on Riker’s Island for 19 months and eventually sent to an upstate prison, Riverview Correctional Facility. I was released in 2010 only for my past actions from my prior arrest to meet me at the gate and was rearrested again for (EXTORTION) charges. I took a plea and served 10 months in V.B.C.C. Upon my release I continued to pursue my music and was able to connect with DJ Green Lantern and up and coming producer 38 Special. I than obtained a second recording contract with team T.C.F. and Invasion. I lost that deal as well due to creative differences. I returned to the street life went on to do another robbery. But this time it got the attention of the (UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND THE (FBI) as well as the media. Eventually I was apprehended and sentence to (20) yrs.

With this being said I have like most at risk youth have faced many hardships and bad decision making that lead to multiple incarcerations. I am qualified to tell my story as well as empathize with troubled youth, because I come from where they are currently at in their lives.  I learned that anything worth having is worth working for it took me to learn self-worth and self-love before I could truly make changes in my life. I have also learned discipline, the value of freedoms, and most of all patience. I am now still serving my 20 year sentence in a federal prison.  I have currently served 8 years but when I think about I have been serving my whole life thus far. I don’t desire to make excused for my behaviors, however, I was born into poverty, loss, trauma, and taught to survive by any means necessary. I really didn’t know any different but NOW I DO and I want to teach others. I can come from a perspective of someone who has really live that life and has made great changes. I have produced a youth program with the structure that will change lives. I will take my program to multiple States but to do this I need your HELP AND SUPPORT to achieve this goal. I need you all to SIGN MY PETITION and if possible GIVE A Donation in support of my reentry community placement. So that I may be released and work with the youth. As well as work with existing programs, I believe that together we can create change. I am motivated and I am ready help youth in need.  I look forward to meeting most of you and working with as many people as possible.

Once again I take full responsibility of my past.  I decided to do every crime that I have served time for and I was fully aware of the consequences. No one made me commit one single offense, it is no one's fault but my own. However, you don’t choose where you come from or the circumstances you are born into and that pays a part on your mindset as a child. On the flip side of that I have decided to create and execute this beautiful program. I am I visualize great change in our communities and a massive positive impact on the youth we will serve. The influence that this program will yield on our troubled youth will be incredible. I insist that WE CAN do it together and truly change recidivism in our communities.

In closing I would like to pose a question, a very serious question to you all.  I have been honest and open and transparent as possible about my past. And who I once was, now I know the answer to who I am today.  I also know what my duty is and how I must give back to my community. I feel I owe all those who would look at my journey and may have the mindset that it’s cool or gave me some form of street credit.  I will let them know that it did not. I want to tell youths don’t be like me, don't give up your life.  When you follow this path you lose, you truly lose .THE QUESTION IS THIS, IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD THEN HOW MUCH MORE DOES IT TAKE TO RAISE A COMMUNITY? Honesty, I believe we all know the answer to this question. So I suggest we make this impact together. Thank you for your time and consideration.

God bless,

Marce’ Dalyah

Founder & CEO

Rich Rebel Society