Reggie Smith belongs to the south side of Jamaica, Queens, New York. He grew up in this middle-class neighborhood that was littered with drug abuse, violence, crime, and despair. Even having great role models and opportunities didn’t change the lives of most black people of Jamaica, Queens. The period during the ‘60s and ‘70s was filled with racism in this area and America. Still, everyone, including Reggie’s family, seemed to live in a state of denial about the trauma affecting the innocent minds of kids and teens because of the environment they were living in. The racial oppression and injustice helped lead Reggie to the wrong path. When he knew better, he did better. Like many other young black men, Reggie fell for the drugs and eventually contracted AIDS. However, Reggie Smith is now a long term substance abuse and AIDS survivor. He is an extraordinary example of how we can heal ourselves, and find the cure for our diseases through a spiritual awakening and various lifestyle change