THE CHANGE
From Third Generation Gang Member to Harvard Graduate
Senor Chocolate, a tough-talking Latino gangster, arrives on stage with trade-mark baggy pants, shades, trench coat and a red bandanna. Using a thick Spanish accent to make his point, he begins with accounts of his personal gang-life experiences to illustrate gang attitudes and behaviors. He challenges his audience to critically assess their own perceptions. He asks them to acknowledge the fact that violence and hopelessness will continue to affect our communities if apathy persists.
After sharing his gang-life experiences, Senor Chocolate presents "The Change"; an apt metaphor long to be remembered. While shedding his gang clothing, he explains The Change that occurred in his life -- and can occur in anyone's life. Richard Santana emerges, dressed in a shirt and tie -- as a college graduate, educator, counselor, colleague and friend.
Richard offers a unique opportunity to understand our diverse schools and communities. Each program is adjusted to accommodate a wide range of political climates, age groups and audiences. The Change has been presented to audiences of school teachers, school administrators, parents, teenagers, school boards, college students, the District Attorney's office, and Law Enforcement Officers. The Change can be delivered as a keynote or workshop with emphasis placed in many different areas.
Celebrate Diversity
Everyone is different (Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Class, Sexual Orientation, etc.). We each bring with us biases formed by our own perceptions, beliefs and values that influence how we interact with one another. The purpose of this presentation is to teach how perceptions and stereotypes prevent each of us from seeing true potential in others.
The Winner Within You
Everyone has the power to overccome adverse situations. It requires self reflection, motivation and personal empowerment. This presentation demonstrates how one can overcome difficult circumstances to produce healthy, positive outcomes.
The Change - For Educators
With the pressures of violence, drugs and sex influencing our youth, making healthy choices can sometimes be difficult. Education is the only real deterrent. Designed especially for educators, this presentation focuses on how one can find power through knowledge.
Add to Folio
Email Profile
Print Profile
Request Speaker