Author · Speaker · Councilman
A stronger Flint. A brighter tomorrow.
From the streets of North Flint, to seven years behind the walls, to a seat on the Flint City Council. Leon writes the stories the headlines leave out: second chances, accountability and the cost of public life.
In his words
I had been called many things before I ever became Councilman. Street hustler. Felon. Prisoner. Activist. Father. Founder. Author. But somewhere along the journey, I found myself wearing another label: public enemy.
About the Author
Author · Founder · Councilman
Raised at 613 Mott Avenue in North Flint while his mother worked long days at General Motors, Leon chose the streets and paid for it with seven years in prison. He came home in 2010 to find almost every door locked. So he started building doors.
Today he is the author of two memoirs, a sought-after speaker on reentry and civic leadership, and the voice of Flint's 1st Ward on City Council.
Some problems cannot be solved from the sidewalk. Eventually you have to walk into the building where the decisions are being made.
The Books
A life told in prose and in poetry: the road through prison and back, in Leon's own words.
The Story of My Life
Before City Hall, there was Vehicle City. Leon's first book is a raw, personal account of growing up in Flint, the choices that led him to prison and the long road back. A story of pain, accountability and healing for anyone who has been told their past decides their future.
Poems by Leon El-Alamin
Before the memoirs, there were poems. Pain Is Poetry gives voice to struggle, reflection and hope in Leon's own words, proof that what hurts us can also become what we have to say.
A political memoir from inside Flint City Hall, and a practical guide for the next generation of leaders.
Coming Soon
The Untold Story Behind the Headlines
A political memoir from inside Flint City Hall: the campaigns, the accusations and the headlines.
Coming Soon
Lessons from Public Enemy
A practical guide for new political leaders: how to prepare, win voters, handle scrutiny and lead after Election Day.
Sneak peek · Public Enemy: Flint
Hover or tap a chapter to open it.
“Politics becomes personal when you are standing on somebody's porch asking them to trust you.”
“Campaigning teaches you how to ask people for trust. Governing teaches you what that trust costs.”
“A ward is more than a boundary on a city map. It is people's lives.”
“A headline is designed to get your attention. It is not designed to hold your entire life.”
“The courtroom and the newsroom operate on different clocks.”
“Your seat. Your vote. Your headline. Your election. But Flint is bigger than me.”
The Journey
Granny's house was the center of the family. Outside, Flint was learning what happens when the jobs disappear.
Counts, numbers and permissions. He learned that the gate can open while the prison follows you home.
A newborn son changed the equation. Survival stopped being enough. He started thinking about legacy.
Pain Is Poetry, then Tears Dry & Wounds Heal: the story of his life, told in verse and in his own words.
Housing, jobs, life skills and entrepreneurship for returning citizens. It started small, with a problem and a vision.
Appointed to the 1st Ward in March, elected by the voters in November. Getting elected was the easy part.
The headlines told you what happened. This book tells you what it felt like. The rest is still being written.
Speaking
For schools, universities, faith communities, nonprofits, conferences and civic groups.
What returning citizens actually face, and how communities can open doors instead of closing them.
Civic leadership, running for office and the reality of public service once the campaign ends.
Owning your past without letting it define your future. The personal work behind real change.
Lessons from founding the M.A.D.E. Institute: starting small, finding partners and staying the course.
Speaking & Media
Keynotes, interviews, book clubs and bulk orders. Send a note and the team will get back to you.