Ben Amor, also known as Ali Ali, has captured the essence of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams in his debut book, “The Urban Shepherd…Chasing the American Dream.” Born to a poor farming family in Tunisia, North Africa, Ben's journey to the United States in 1968 marked the beginning of a transformative life dedicated to self-improvement and community service.
Upon arriving in the U.S., Ben learned English, became a naturalized citizen, and advanced his career as a skilled technician and computer programmer. He earned an Associate’s degree from San Antonio College, showcasing his commitment to education and self-betterment.
In 1983, a powerful dream of children crying moved Ben to make a significant life change. Unable to forget the sound of children crying because they were dying of starvation, he founded Terra-Genesis Inc. (TGI) in 1984, a nonprofit agency initially aimed at ending world hunger through technology. Over time, TGI expanded its mission to provide housing services, prevent child abandonment, abuse, and neglect, and offer arts programs and various social services to the community.
Ben’s dedication to TGI and his community service continued to grow. In 2019, TGI acquired a 5,400-square-foot building in San Antonio, Texas, known as the American Dream Center (ADC), to host the American Dream Program (ADP). However, the onset of COVID-19 disrupted funding, leading to the suspension of the ADP and plans to sell the building.
Inspired by the teachings of Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone, Ben envisioned the Mosaic Self-Empowerment Program (MSEP) in early 2022. The decision was made to retain and remodel the ADC to house not only the MSEP but also an Empowerment Books Library (EBL) and a Mosaic Empowerment Cafe (MAC). The remodeling is set to be completed by the end of May, with plans to involve mosaic artists in the design and launch the MSEP soon after.
Ben’s journey from a shepherd boy in Tunisia to a successful career man in the United States is a testament to the power of perseverance and the American Dream. His experiences and challenges, from adjusting to a new culture to navigating professional and personal setbacks, are detailed in “The Urban Shepherd.” The book aims to inspire readers to pursue and achieve their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Ben married Assia Ladhari, also a native of Tunisia, in 1994, and together they have a son, Abou Elala Ali. Ben also has a daughter from a previous marriage, Dr. Mona Lisa Kopas. The family's support and unity have been integral to Ben's journey and success.
Currently, Ben is collaborating with his friend, Robert Lopez Jr., on his second book, “Choices.” Together, they work with TGI to promote self-empowerment through the Self-Empowerment Program (SEP).
This restructuring of TGI and the new vision for self-empowerment aim to empower others to be successful and financially stable. Ben's story is a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and a clear vision, anyone can achieve their version of the American Dream.
"The Urban Shepherd" is more than just a biographical self-help book. It takes readers on an engaging journey from the souks of Tunisia to the bustling streets of San Antonio, Texas. The book, like a mosaic, pieces together various aspects of life, relationships, and professional growth, with the clear purpose of empowering readers to pursue and fulfill their dreams.
Born in Tunisia and raised on farmland, Ben decided to join the air force and later moved to the United States to pursue the American Dream. His journey was not easy, but his perseverance eventually led him to success.
Throughout the book, Ben cites advice from notable authors such as T. Harv Eker, Elizabeth Steger, and Don Miguel Ruiz, author of "The Four Agreements." His approach is both instructional and personal, drawing inspiration from these works to guide his own journey and inspire others.
Ben Amor's journey, detailed in "The Urban Shepherd," is more than a biographical account; it is a source of inspiration and a guide for anyone striving to overcome adversity and fulfill their dreams. His life's work continues to impact and uplift communities, embodying the very essence of the American Dream. If you feel inspired to join Ben's journey and contribute to his mission, you can contact him via his email at tginfo@tgicorp.org.