Written by: JR Robinson

In the heart of Memphis, where echoes of struggle and resilience intertwine, Ash Muhammad emerges as a beacon of transformation. His story isn’t just one of surviving the streets; it’s about re-writing his narrative through art, turning past struggles with crime, homelessness, and addiction into a lifeline for himself and a blueprint for others.

From Winchester and MillBranch to Finding a Voice

Growing up in Memphis, Ash found himself entrenched in the drug trade, hustling in the streets off Winchester and Mill Branch. For a time, that was his identity. A gunshot wound changed everything, catapulting him into a world of homelessness and despair. This wasn't just a fall from grace; it was a jarring collision with a reality where he felt invisible.

"When I was homeless, I didn't exist. I didn't have a voice. People looked past me," Ash reflects. "But when I was selling drugs, I was respected. I had a reputation."

This stark contrast became a turning point. As he sought help through rehab and treatment centers, Ash discovered the healing power of art. It wasn’t a new talent; he’d always had a knack for it, even doing graffiti in his street days. But now, art became a way to process his trauma, confront his demons, and articulate the experiences that had shaped him.

“I learned in rehabs that art is like therapy,” Ash explains. “When I began to use my art to tell my story, I realized that it was like taking a load off me and it began to heal me from the things that I had been through in life.”

Losing an Eye, Finding a Vision

At 21, Ash lost his right eye after being shot. The physical wound was just the beginning. The emotional and psychological impact took years to confront. "Imagine you got both eyes for 21 years, and one day you wake up, you got one," he says. "It took me from 21 to maybe 35 to grasp that reality."

For years, he numbed the pain, avoiding the truth of what had happened and the choices that led him there. But around 35, Ash had an epiphany: "You ain't no victim; you signed up for it."

Accepting responsibility for his choices—both the circumstances and the aftermath—was the hardest truth he had to confront. But it was also the key to unlocking his future. It wasn't enough to accept it; he had to learn to live with it. Once he did, the healing began.

Room in the Inn: Redefining Value

A pivotal moment in Ash's journey was his time at Room in the Inn in Nashville. This wasn't just a shelter; it was a community that offered resources and genuine care for those struggling with homelessness. Being surrounded by others facing similar challenges shifted his perspective.

"Being in that Room in The Inn helped me understand the value of life," Ash recalls. "It helped me look past… when I was selling drugs, it was about money, cars, clothes, all that. When you homeless, that shit don't mean nothing. You just want some food, some clean clothes, and a place to lay your head."

He realized that human connection and basic necessities were far more valuable than material possessions. This realization transformed his values. Today, he doesn't need expensive clothes or flashy cars to feel worthy. He values creating his own t-shirts more than buying designer brands. He prioritizes helping others over accumulating wealth.

Unfiltered Truth: A Blueprint for the Youth

Ash's art and story don't shy away from the harsh realities of drugs, gangs, and the streets. He believes it’s critical for young people to see the unfiltered truth, even if it's uncomfortable.

"When I was homeless, I didn't even have a voice," Ash emphasizes. "So now, when I share my story, it don't matter how you see me, because I know what it was like when I didn't even have a voice."

He’d rather tell the truth than have someone see him as "just another bum" on the street. He wants young people to understand the consequences of their choices, not from a lecture, but from someone who has lived it.

“Me telling my truth, if you can learn from it, it's a blueprint,” Ash explains. “If you hear my story and you choose to go down the wrong road, I did my part. I told you what was the results.”

Painting Over the Past: Sobriety and Self-Discovery

After two decades of poverty and crime, sobriety allowed Ash to "paint over his past." It wasn't about erasing his history but transforming it into something meaningful. Sobriety wasn’t just about abstaining from drugs; it was about reclaiming his agency and redefining his identity.

Ash’s life now is a testament to the power of transformation. He has turned his pain into purpose, his struggles into strength, and his past into a powerful message for others.

More Than Entertainment: A Call to Study

Ash sees his life and his books not as entertainment, but as textbooks for life. He lays bare the choices he made, the consequences he faced, and the lessons he learned. His story is a study in resilience, redemption, and the power of art to heal and transform.

Ash Muhammad's journey isn't just a story; it's an invitation—to confront the truth, embrace change, and find your voice, no matter how lost you may seem. It’s a reminder that even from the deepest darkness, it's possible to redraw your life and create a masterpiece.