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The Love Prison Made and Unmade: My Story by Ebony Roberts 
Published by Amistad on July 9, 2019
With echoes of Just Mercy and An American Marriage, a remarkable memoir of a woman who falls in love with an incarcerated man—a poignant story of hope and disappointment that lays bare the toll prison takes not only on those behind bars, but on their families and relationships.
Ebony’s parents were high school sweethearts and married young. By the time Ebony was born, the marriage was disintegrating. As a little girl she witnessed her parents’ brutal verbal and physical fights, fueled by her father’s alcoholism. Then her father tried to kill her mother.
Those experiences drastically affected the way Ebony viewed love and set the pattern for her future romantic relationships. Despite being an educated and strong-minded woman determined not to repeat the mistakes of her parents—she would have a fairytale love—Ebony found herself drawn to bad-boys: men who cheated; men who verbally abused her; men who disappointed her. Fed up, she swore to wait for the partner God chose for her.
Then she met Shaka Senghor. Though she felt an intense spiritual connection, Ebony struggled with the idea that this man behind bars for murder could be the good love God had for her. Through letters and visits, she and Shaka fell deeply in love.
Once Shaka came home, Ebony thought the worst was behind them. But Shaka’s release was the beginning of the end.
The Love Prison Made and Unmade is heartfelt. It reveals powerful lessons about love, sacrifice, courage, and forgiveness; of living your highest principles and learning not to judge someone by their worst acts. Ultimately, it is a stark reminder of the emotional cost of American justice on human lives—the partners, wives, children, and friends—beyond the prison walls.
The Love Prison Made and Unmade by Ebony Roberts has been on my anticipated reads list since the day she announced she was writing a memoir. This book started as a love story, but after Ebony & Shaka’s break-up, the book took on another form.
I was a witness to Ebony & Shaka’s love story after his release from prison. Their love affair inspired so many people that watched their journey from the sidelines. I would always mention to my husband that I would love to hear Ebony’s story. Everyone was familiar with Shaka’s story, but I wanted to know Ebony’s story. What was it like to fall in love with someone who was behind bars? How did she stay committed during all of those years? Most of all, the biggest question I had was, Who Is Ebony?
The Love Prison Made and Unmade answered all of those questions and more. Author Ebony Roberts opens up about her witnessing her parent’s dysfunctional relationship and how it had an effect on her decisions/choices when it came to love. My heart crumbled when she wrote about being molested. I appreciated the fact that she shared that with her readers because this will help other people know they are not alone.
While reading this book, I learned about the side of prison we aren’t privy unless you have contact with people that’s behind bars. Author Ebony Roberts shares with readers how she met Shaka, and the struggles they endured trying to maintain their relationship. There were a few times I had to stop reading to gather my composure. You can feel the love, and the hope Ebony & Shaka had for a better future. It was hard to read because I knew how it ended. I was one of those people that was inspired by their relationship. I’m a firm believer in love conquering all but sometimes love is simply not enough.
I closed this book with a newfound respect for Ebony. I have always admired and respect her, but now it’s on another level. This book will change people’s lives!
I highly recommend this book — one of my best reads of 2019.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
I haven’t written an Orsayor Thought in ages, but I knew this book would leave me in my feelings. I felt this book allowed me to grieve for the end of a relationship that I wasn’t in. Isn’t that something?? We all love to hear about Love Stories, especially the ones that seem to defeat the odds. Then to be a witness to it face-to-face, I truly felt invested.
When Shaka’s career skyrocketed, it was somewhat bittersweet because I wanted Ebony to be by his side. I felt she deserved to mingle with the likes of Oprah, Obama, Nas, Jay-Z, etc. Not taking anything away from Shaka, because he deserves all the accolades he has received but I wanted a happily ever after for them.
After reading the book, I know understand why they had to parts ways. As for me, I was able to let go of what I thought should have happened and finally accepted what is. People come in our lives for a season, a reason, or a Lifetime. But what I know for sure is – everyone that comes in our lives teaches us something about ourselves.
Ebony, Thank you for sharing your story. I know your book will be a blessing to everyone that picks it up to read.
About Ebony Roberts
A former school administrator, Ebony Roberts is a writer, educator, activist, and researcher. She has taught at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. She recently served as program director for #BeyondPrisons, an organization designed to uplift the voices of those impacted by the criminal justice system. She received her BA in Social Relations and Psychology, and a Ph.D in Educational Psychology from Michigan State University.
