From Fayetteville projects to prison to published author: Mike Hill's second memoir drops
Grove View Terrace was built in 1942 to house white military families connected to then-Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty. The complex sat on 30 acres and included 212 units.
The community thrived. Economic conditions caused residents to leave for better living situations. Over the years, the neighborhood’s reputation worsened, to include stories of crimes such as an illicit drug market, violence andprostitution.
In 2018, the old Grove View Terrace complex was torn down to make way for the 272-unit Cross Creek Pointe apartment complex, which opened in 2021. Though Grove View Terrace no longer stands physically, the spirit continues to flow through author Mike Hill, also known as Scrillah.
Hill, along with his three siblings, grew up in the housing development. As a youth, he remembers what he describes as a concrete jungle. Rather than staying inside, Hill chose to indulge in the environment around him.
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His choices led to run-ins with law enforcement at an early age. His mother, Irish, did her best to keep Mike on the right track. However, the allure of the street life attracted young Mike. He never experienced life as a high school student, because he was sent to training school.
Ultimately, he received his GED in prison. He also decided to tell his life story. While in prison, Hill began penning his memoir.
He recalled stories of federal authorities rounding up many of his friends, and the remainder of the crew relocating to the "Ave," or Maloney Avenue. It is the street that is the home of Dwayne “Chucky” Allen, who played tight end in the NFL and is a Super Bowl champion.
During a stint in jail, Hill experienced an unthinkable tragedy: On Dec. 29, 2013, he lost his son to cancer. His son’s death prompted him to change his life, to keep his name alive. The number "2" is a significant part of Hill’s brand, representing his son nicknamed, "2Butt."
A memoir and a big challenge
The Neva 2 Late brand is an extension of Hill’s new way of thinking. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he released his memoirs in a book titled, "Neva 2 Late." The book explores his early life growing up in Grove View Terrace, up until the moment he was shot.
"Neva 2 Late" was well-received by the community, and in addition to the book, Hill's Never 2 Late brand features a clothing line, Entuel.
But in late 2021, Hill was dealt a similar blow as his son. At the end of December of that year, he noticed that he was not feeling well, and his mother advised him to get checked by a doctor. After an initial diagnosis of COVID, he still lost more weight and was continuously fatigued.
Ultimately, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in his stomach. He immediately sought treatment, refusing to suffer the same fate as his son. In addition, he has another son, and that motivated him immensely.
In addition to chemotherapy, he began using sea moss as a supplement. Sea Moss has been linked to number of health benefits, based on animal studies, but it more clinical trials are needed, according to an article on the popularity of the supplement in Forbes.
Rather than seclude himself, Mike displayed his battle with cancer for the world to see via social media: He could be seen with a mask or discolored skin. He wanted to motivate others with his trials and tribulations leading up to the cancer’s remission.
A new book and book-signing
His new book, "Never 2 Late: The Final Chapters" picks up where the first installment ends, with Hill in a hospital bed, recovering from being shot. The book delves into his road to recovery, his transition from the street life, and his battle with cancer, along with his life today.
On Saturday, he will be hosting a book-signing in downtown Fayetteville at the 2/6 Studio, located at 116 Anderson St. Guests will be treated to free food, drinks, live music and a merch giveaway.
For those unable to attend the book-signing, books can be purchased at 4808 Ramsey St., Suite 110 or on Amazon. For more information, check out Mike on Facebook at Mike Entuel Hill or on Instagram @entuel_4life.
Salute to Scrillah and every activist getting active. Peace.
Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville author Mike Hills' memoir continues a tale of overcoming
