“There are these laws and systems that are designed to keep Black and Brown children behind these bars…I feel that I grabbed what they were trying to make us, as victims, and I took it as strength.”
-Richard Cabral

Richard Cabral is an Emmy-nominated actor and a former gang member from East Los Angeles. Previously incarcerated from the age of 13 to 27, Cabral transformed his life through the arts and now uses his platform to inspire others and advocate for criminal justice reform.

In this powerful interview, Cabral shares his journey from a childhood marred by trauma, poverty, and gang involvement to his eventual incarceration and subsequent redemption. He discusses the pivotal role that Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries played in his transformation, emphasizing the importance of love, support, and opportunity in helping individuals break the cycle of violence and incarceration. Cabral also delves into the systemic issues that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, particularly in marginalized communities, and stresses the need for intervention, rehabilitation, and education rather than punishment. He shares his personal experiences with the transformative power of the arts, explaining how acting and music provided him with a creative outlet and a means of processing his pain and trauma.
Cabral also discusses his current efforts to give back to his community, including his work with Homeboy Industries and his plans to establish a free music program for at-risk youth in East Los Angeles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in criminal justice reform, the power of the arts in rehabilitation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction and background on Richard Cabral
(00:02:15) Growing up in East Los Angeles and early incarceration
(00:09:15) The impact of trauma and the school-to-prison pipeline
(00:14:40) Discussing the pivotal moment that changed Richard’s life
(00:19:20) The role of acting and creative expression in Richard’s transformation
(00:25:20) Overcoming failure and finding purpose through spirituality
(00:28:35) Richard’s current projects and giving back to the community
(00:33:00) Advice for others on finding their path and creating change
(00:36:20) Changing the system and providing support instead of incarceration
(00:39:00) Closing thoughts and giving Richard his flowers

Episode Resources:
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IMDB 
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Homeboy Industries 
Mayans MC Show