Come join our next meeting on Thursday, May 3, where our speaker will be Joseph Raymond Lucero of Homeboy Industries.
Joseph Raymond Lucero was born in 1977 in San Diego. A third-generation gang member whose parents, brothers, and uncles also struggled with heroin addiction, Joey Ray’s troubles with the law began at the age of nine. He was in youth detention and later California state prison for twelve of his first 26 years.
When his son was born while he was in state prison, Joey made the decision to stop gang-banging. He became active with the 12-step program Criminals and Gangmembers Anonymous (CGA), which became foundational to his efforts to leave his former life behind.
In 2003 Joey was released on parole and had the opportunity to prove that he could make it as a father and contributing member of the community. Father Greg Boyle offered him a job at Homeboy Industries, and he utilized his CGA experience to do outreach and speaking for Homeboy that change is possible. Through telling his story, Joey has been able to help bring awareness to the issues facing the formerly incarcerated.
Joey Ray made his acting debut in the 2006 film Gridiron Gang. He was featured in the 2007 documentary Fr. G and the Homeboys. He has appeared in episodes of the television series ER, The Shield, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, and Shameless. He is presently cast as “Creeper” in the Sons of Anarchy spin-off series Mayans MC, which will air on FX later in 2018.
Join us for happy hour/dinner 6-7pm at the 3F Invention Bar, followed by our meeting at 7:15pm.
Guests and visiting Rotarians welcome!
RSVP to William Baxley at william.baxley@rotarydtla.org