About the Author

Alfred P. Gladden was born in Baltimore in 1954; he grew up on the East Side of the city and followed in his father's footsteps in becoming a barber.

As a teen, he was a local basketball star, earning a spot in 1969, at the age of 15, on the United States AAU Junior Olympics Basketball Team, competing in New York City and in Washington, D.C. That same summer, he led the Johnston Square basketball team of kids 15 years old and under to the Baltimore Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL) championship game at the Baltimore Civic Center and received the MVP award for the entire league in his age group. He attended Dunbar High School for one year and transferred to Northern High School for the remainder of his high school years. He also attended and graduated from barber school, both in the same year, which proved very challenging. Alfred attended college in Texas on a basketball scholarship, where his team was ranked number one in the nation. Upon returning to Baltimore, he obtained his Master Barber License.

A few months later, Alfred enrolled in modeling school under Lawrence Parker, LTD. Mr. Parker instructed and coached him personally on the proper way to model, as well as instilling in all his students how to be professional. The late Mr. Parker was also the uncle to actress Nicole Ari Parker. Alfred modeled locally and nationally for seven years. At one point in his life, too much of the party lifestyle caught up with Alfred. His life spiraling out of control, God saved him and Alfred has now been in a few twelve-step fellowships for 34 years.

Alfred is a believer in the Most High God. He is a father of three and a grandfather of two. He loves people and has a desire to help them.

This is the author's first book on health and wellness.