Alyssa A. Means, is a Black American author, musician, with a passion for politics. She was born in Houston, Texas, and lived there for most of her youth. She attended colleges in San Antonio and historically Black university Prairie View A&M. She graduated from Texas State University, where she gained her nickname Ally after being overly annoyed at the lack of respect in the pronunciation of her given name. No, it is not said how you think. She now resides in Austin, Texas, where she knows what to expect, great music, friendly people and so much family.