Kevin E. Allison, the author of the book “My Life Matters” was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. Particularly moved by the events in Ferguson, he began writing a story that would confront racial bias head-on while also promoting empathy and understanding. Allison aimed to create characters that reflected the complexity of human beliefs—making both protagonists equally flawed to avoid a one-sided narrative and to encourage readers from all backgrounds to engage with the story.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
Kevin E. Allison is a multi-talented artist whose creative pursuits span across literature, film, and visual storytelling. A storyteller at heart, Allison brings a unique voice and fresh perspective to topics often mired in divisive rhetoric. He is also the author of other works such as the graphic novel trilogy Gladiator Bots and the upcoming historical fiction Allensworth.
Additionally, he has written and produced a film titled Love Swag, available on streaming platforms. Allison is passionate about using art as a catalyst for social change and fostering conversations that challenge societal norms. His work is marked by a deep commitment to empathy, truth, and the human experience.
The narrative begins with Rosewood, a passionate but misguided Black activist who leads protests against systemic racism but refuses to include white allies in his fight. On the other side stands Officer Duke, a white police officer entrenched in his own prejudices and blind to the racial injustices that plague his community. These two men are brought together by fate when a mystical event causes them to swap lives. Suddenly, Rosewood finds himself in a police uniform, facing scrutiny from the very community he once defended, while Duke must navigate life as a Black man in a society he never fully understood.
Through their swapped lives, both characters experience the systemic pressures and daily challenges the other has long ignored or misunderstood. With a limited window of time to reverse the curse, they are forced to confront their beliefs, reevaluate their values, and ultimately find empathy and forgiveness. Their journey is both painful and transformative, revealing that healing across racial and ideological lines is possible—but only through vulnerability, honest dialogue, and deep introspection.
“My Life Matters” by Kevin E. Allison stands out not only for its gripping plot and vivid characters but also for its ability to address serious societal issues in a way that is both approachable and impactful. Its premise—two antagonists forced into each other’s lives—delivers a brilliant mechanism for exploring empathy and systemic injustice from multiple angles. The inclusion of flawed protagonists from both sides of the racial divide offers a balanced, nuanced perspective that is often missing in contemporary discourse.
Allison’s infusion of satire and magical realism breathes life into a story that could easily become didactic. Instead, readers are invited to laugh, reflect, and most importantly, listen. The book doesn’t offer easy answers; rather, it encourages dialogue, self-examination, and a willingness to see humanity in others. In an era where polarization is rampant, My Life Matters is a refreshing, bold, and necessary read that challenges us to bridge the gap with empathy and courage.
To delve deeper into Allison’s inspiration behind his book, you can watch the full interview below: