The Immortality of Influence We Can Build the Best Minds of the Next Generation

The author relates the story of Willow Briggs, a former student whose tragic destiny has haunted him for years. Through Willow, Thomas-EL discovers that helping the community, either one student at a time or through collective efforts, is the catalyst for change.

Salome Thomas-EL is a national education expert, media consultant, and former award-winning teacher and principal in Philadelphia. He has motivated thousands of parents and students to embrace the philosophy that education and hard work come before success. Thomas-EL received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach, and his students have gone on to become National Chess Champions.  He is a national board member of America’s Foundation for Chess and keynotes scores of school district convocations, national and state conferences, and motivational presentations for students around the country.  He has been called “An American Icon” by Reader’s Digest Magazine and received the distinguished Martin Luther King Award.  Principal EL is a regular guest contributor on the first season of The Dr. Oz Show and frequently appears on C-SPAN, CNN, and NPR Radio. His first book, I Choose to Stay, was optioned by Disney Films. Learn more about Salome and his students at www.ichoosetostay.com.

Cecil Murphey is the author or coauthor of more than 135 books, including such notable titles as the New York Times bestselling 90 Minutes in Heaven, coauthored with Don Piper, and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, coauthored with Dr. Ben Carson. In addition to his writing, Murphey is a popular public speaker on the subject of faith and spiritual growth and healing, having been a pastor and missionary before he became a successful writer.