Harry Saffold Jr. is a native of Dothan, Alabama. His father served in the U.S. Navy while his mother worked retail. Like most parents, they invested their best in their first-born, a baby boy. Unfortunately, at age ten, when visiting relatives during the summer, Saffold was sexually abused repeatedly in a Christian atmosphere, and once by a neighbor. His self-esteem was shattered, and isolation within the four corners of his bedroom served as a remedy, and although sheltered within sky blue bedroom walls, pretty blue skies seemed distant for this 10-year-old boy. It was evident that his early beginnings yielded very little chances that this little birdie would ascend above rooftops as a red winged black bird. In fact, cloudy days lay in wait for Saffold. Nevertheless, every child enters the world with imaginary abilities.
Several years later, who would have known that Saffold’s imagination would land him in the principal’s office explaining illustrations and dialogue that painted a vivid picture of the everyday struggles African – American youth faced in Ghetto, USA? That in itself established a truth, a truth that Saffold could write to inspire, empower, and inform others. At the age of 17, he appeared on the Ann Varner Morning Show, and later, in the educational section of the Dothan Eagle newspaper with, “Avelon Kids”, a short book of diverse characters who empower their community through their faith in Jesus Christ.
However; because of unresolved issues from his childhood which challenged his faith, Saffold drifted to the streets, wandering as a faithless vagabond and soon involving himself in an assaultant related crime that landed him in prison for 12 ½ years. While confined he earned his G.E.D and went on to tutor other inmates while bettering himself and honing his penmanship. After released from imprisonment in 2008, Saffold fell to homelessness due to his felony conviction only to find himself living on the streets with no healthcare, falling behind on overdue bills, eating unhealthy, and more. Nevertheless, he has created three documentary films, written and self-published nine books, his autobiography and eight fiction and engages the public through sharing his story. https://harrysaffoldjr.wixsite.com/saffoldmedia
AFS will meet at noon for a potluck and socializing, and then the talk starts at 1:00. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Atlanta Freethought Hall is a former Primitive Baptist Church, built in 1866. Atlanta Freethought Society was founded in 1985, which makes it one of Metro Atlanta’s oldest secular societies. AF Hall is the meeting place for Fellowship of Reason, Freedom of Religion Foundation of Atlanta, as well as other organizations. We rent the building at reasonable rates. If you would like to rent the hall for an organization meeting, a party, a wedding, etc., please see a Board Member.