Jumping Over Life’s Hurdles epitomizes the trials of a young African male growing up in America. Just as the story expounds on the strength it takes to not only survive but to thrive. Especially when one is considered different. Author Lorenzo Lewis is a social entrepreneur, professional speaker, and founder of the widely acclaimed The Confess Project, an initiative that centers on mental health and wellness for young men of color. A master storyteller, Lewis has spoken at numerous venues around the country about his journey turning pain into purpose—from narrowly escaping the school-to-prison pipeline and obtaining a master's degree to his current work building a national mental health movement. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.