About Tonesa Welch Books
Dr. Tonesa Welch is a producer, mentor, activist, prison reformist, and brand influencer. As the former first lady of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), Toni was an inside witness to the crimes of one of America's most notorious organized crime conglomerates. In 2006, Toni was convicted in the historic Operation Motor City Mafia bust and sentenced to nearly five years for money laundering. Following her release from federal prison in 2012, Toni and her youngest son, Corey, founded the non-profit, Sylent Heart. Providing clothes and school resources for the children of incarcerated parents and other at-risk youths, their organization has also assisted women ex-convicts transition back into society via job placement, housing, life-skills training, and transportation. The recipient of the "Spirit of Detroit" award for her service to the local community, Toni has hosted charity events for Los Angeles-area schools as well as holiday events for children in need. She now lives in Los Angeles.
