Michael Phillip Murray, also known as Brother Mikal, is a self-described son, father, husband, pop-pop, musician, mentor, and outdoorsman. Michael grew up in inner city Philadelphia and earned an Associate Degree in General Studies at the Community College of Philadelphia with a Certificate in American Sign Language, later working with children and youth in group homes, detention facilities, and as a social worker. After retiring from his job at the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, he began volunteering as a reading tutor in the Philadelphia public school system. He is inspired to use writing as a platform to address issues that affect the quality of life for inner city youth.