Welcome
Ryze is my story, but it’s also a reflection of so many others who’ve been forced to fight through pain, confusion, and survival just to find their way to peace. This book is divided into two parts: the first half is a raw, unfiltered account of my life from childhood trauma, colorism, addiction, violence, and abuse, to heartbreak and the weight of generational curses. I didn’t write this because I think I’m famous or important. I wrote it because the context of my life matters when you see the man I’ve become. A close friend once read an early draft and kept asking me, “How did you arrive at these ideas?” That’s when I knew I had to go back and tell the whole story. I had to show you the journey, not just the destination.
The second half of Ryze is where the blueprint comes in. It’s built on a mantra I created during some of my lowest moments:
Be Real. Be Relentless. Ryze Above.
These aren’t just words—they’re principles I’ve lived by. In these chapters, I offer the lessons, reflections, and actions that helped me heal, grow, and evolve. It’s part autobiography, part guidebook, and all heart.
This book is for anyone who’s been through the fire and wants to come out forged, not broken. If you’re ready to face your truth, push through your pain, and rise above your past, then this book was written with you in mind.
Larry Carroll Jr.
Live with intent and not by chance.
I’m glad you made it here.
Writing Ryze was just the beginning of my journey. The book serves as my paintbrush, capturing the deep-rooted societal issues that many of us have either experienced firsthand or been affected by. It was never just about the words on the page, it was a call to action. And now, I’m walking fully in that purpose.
As a Peer Coach at the Center for Male Engagement, I lead with intention not only fostering academic excellence, but also emphasizing physical strength, emotional healing, and career readiness. I facilitate trauma-informed workshops that help young men understand and process their experiences, laying the foundation for real healing and growth.
I see myself as a bridge between generations, helping connect the wisdom of the past with the potential of the future. My work extends beyond the campus. I’ve partnered with public speaker Brian Gaines to guide incoming 9th graders at Martin Luther King High School toward clarity and purpose. Each year, I proudly contribute to Rodney McLeod’s Change the Future Foundation, providing school supplies and scholarships to students pursuing higher education. I’ve also raised funds and stepped onto the mat in the Tap Cancer Out Tournament, fighting for a cause that truly matters.
And this is just the beginning. Some projects are still unfolding behind the scenes, but know this—I am a grassroots savant, using my life, my story, and my skillset to drive real, positive impact in this world.
Welcome to the movement. Welcome to Ryze Above.
