Author, educator, and urban scholar Duane Bowser, also known as The Black Dot, announces the release of his highly anticipated memoir, Gotta Laugh to Keep from Crying: I Didn’t Start Living Until I Thought I Was Dying – The Hero’s Journey, which details his real, raw, and riveting, healing journey from Bronx trauma to personal transformation, honoring 20 years of survival, resilience, and rebirth.
Deeply rooted in the lived experience of Black men and families, Bowser’s memoir speaks directly to the heart of the Black community — where laughter often masks pain, strength is mistaken for silence, and survival becomes a skill long before adulthood begins. Growing up in the Bronx during a turbulent era, Bowser’s story mirrors the generational struggles, triumphs, and cultural pressures that shape so many in our communities.
The book release marks a major milestone: 2025 is the 20-year anniversary of the year Bowser was told he was dying of kidney failure and spending the next 20 years on dialysis. This moment became the catalyst for his greatest transformation. Rather than surrender, he rebuilt his life, his purpose, and his legacy from the ground up.
A Healing Journey Nearly Twenty Years in the Making
Bowser’s memoir peels back decades of trauma, addiction, abandonment, near-death experiences, and spiritual rebirth. It is a powerful reflection on the emotional burdens Black men are taught to hide — and the healing that begins when those truths are finally spoken.
“If you’ve ever laughed to keep from screaming, smiled to keep from breaking, or carried pain in silence, this book is for you,” Bowser says.
Over the last two decades, Bowser has built a multi-platform media brand, raised a family, mentored young men, inspired millions through The Urban X Podcast, written culture-shifting books, healed generational trauma, and found the courage to tell the truth he once feared.
In Gotta Laugh to Keep from Crying, he invites readers into the full story — not just the strength of The Black Dot, but the vulnerable inner world of Duane, the man behind the public persona. He explores the duality faced by many Black men: being applauded publicly while suffering privately. Through humor, heartbreak, spiritual insight, and unfiltered honesty, Bowser shows how pain can become purpose — and how vulnerability can lead to liberation. Checkout His Trailer below...
“Gotta Laugh to Keep from Crying” Continues After Sponsor's Messages Below...
New Self-Help Book “Blame It on the Feel of Pain” About Detangling From Past Pain
Get ready for a transformational journey toward inner peace as indie author Max W. Miller’s new self-help release, Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, inspires readers in a witty, down-to-earth book. Truth and compassion are foretold, using poetic frames called ‘The Wises,’ and the help of opinionated little emojis bringing laughter and thought-provoking conclusions throughout.
The author encourages her readers, whom she also calls partners, to stop wrestling with the hard knocks of the past. She expresses how voluntarily walking back into time precedes trauma healing. Confronting lingering pains is a step toward strength and hope for the future. ‘Blame It’ delves into the author’s life experiences, bringing to life the importance of using Full Circle Moments to find resolutions.
Throughout Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, the reader grows to understand through a unique interpretation that what we are destined to become grows out of the years we’ve already traveled. Further, our future hinges on how we address the pains of the past. Other expressions focus on how desires in the present are carved out of having a clear vision that old, lingering strongholds must be defeated. A history of suffering is a prerequisite for becoming fed up enough to demand enjoyment now!
To Get On the Road To Overcoming Your Trauma See Her Exclusive Interview
Order Her Book Blame It On The Feel Of Pain
Duane Bowser's New Memoir
“Gotta Laugh to Keep from Crying”
Continues Below...
“The greater the pain, the louder the laughter. The louder the laughter, the quieter the cries.”
From the gunshots of the Bronx to hospital rooms where he fought for his life, Bowser guides readers through a Hero’s Journey filled with loss, revelations, redemption, and deep joy. His memoir reminds us that laughter and tears are not opposites, but allies — both essential to our humanity. This book is for anyone who has ever hidden trauma behind achievement, become strong because there was no other choice, laughed through the hurt, carried emotional weight alone or been told “real men don’t cry.” Bowser proves that healing is not just possible — it’s powerful.
About the Author
Duane Bowser, widely known as The Black Dot, grew up in the Bronx and is a writer, recording artist, poet, lecturer, content creator, and entrepreneur. He released his first album in 1988 with the group Tall, Dark and Handsome under B-Boy Records, and later toured the world as a hype man and band member for Bronx legend Tim Dog. In 2011, he launched his first solo album under his independent label, inspiring this memoir. Bowser’s writing career began with the critically acclaimed “Hip Hop Decoded” in 2005, followed by “Urban Culture Decoded.” In 2018, he co-created The Urban X Podcast with his son Malcolm, now known as the #1 father-and-son podcast with millions of listeners. He is an educator, lecturer, urban scholar, devoted husband, father of four, and grandfather.
About the Book
Gotta Laugh to Keep from Crying: I Didn’t Start Living Until I Thought I Was Dying – The Hero’s Journey is a gripping memoir of survival, vulnerability, and rebirth. Bowser’s book blends laughter, pain, spirituality, and cultural truth into a transformative journey of healing. It is a must-read for anyone ready to stop pretending and start living. Available on Amazon
Published Author in Her Family
Alexis Donald, MD, a trailblazing African American medical doctor and advocate for empowering young minds, is thrilled to announce the release of her highly anticipated children’s book, Mommy I Want to be a Doctor. Based on her own remarkable journey, this captivating story encourages children to dream big, believe in themselves, and fearlessly pursue their aspirations.
As the first medical doctor in her family, Dr. Alexis has always been driven by a passion for medicine and a desire to make a difference in the world. Her inspiring tale begins with her childhood dreams and takes readers on a heartfelt journey of determination, resilience, and triumph. To Order Her Book Click Here or on Amazon.
To see our exclusive interview with Dr. Donald Tap here.
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nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.
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