Al Dickens, born in Winter Haven, Florida, experienced a significant shift in his life after his family relocated to Newark, New Jersey, in the early 1940s. Growing up in the tough streets of Newark's 2nd and 3rd wards, it wasn't long before Al found himself in serious trouble with the law by the age of 14. His life took a drastic turn as he spent the last 16 years of his life behind bars due to two armed robbery convictions.

However, what could have been a story of despair became one of transformation. Prison became a golden opportunity for Al to pursue a formal education, which he embraced wholeheartedly. During his time behind bars, Al completed two years of college, co-authored three books, and began working on his most profound work, Uncle Yah Yah.

Reflecting on his journey, Al shared, “The knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of self, society, and religion are the magical potions that transform your world from a sphere of meaningless conglomerations of people, places, and things into specific categories of elements to be assimilated for strength, or to be opposed for protection. Such a character possessed of this golden elixir is referred to as Omnipresent, or living in-tune with what’s happening now. I know, because I crawled into this prison cell-like cocoon a lowly caterpillar, but I shall emerge a butterfly, dancing about and kissing the pretty flowers in the springtime of my youth. Watch for me.”

Al Dickens' life and writings reflect a journey of profound transformation, illustrating how even in the most challenging circumstances, one can find the strength to emerge anew, embodying wisdom and understanding that transcends the ordinary.