Willie Stokes grew up in Salinas.   His childhood was one of turbulence, drugs, and rebellion, which ultimately led him to indoctrination as a gang member.  In and out of correctional facilities for seventeen years, Willie found himself escalated from life as a street gang member to involvement in the upper echelon of the prison gangs.  Time spent at Pelican Bay SHU allowed him to bear witness to the lies, hypocrisy, and greed which are the true driving forces behind gang warfare and the wasted destruction of so many young lives. As the Executive Director and Founder of the non-profit Black Sheep Redemption Program, Mr. Stokes reaches out to young people who are struggling with addiction, gang involvement, and academic failure. Using his own life as an example of redemption, Willie Stokes inspires and guides youth on a path toward positive, fulfilling and healthy lifestyle choices.

On September 8, at 4 PM in Room 201 of the Social Sciences Building, Willie Stokes will be speaking about his incredible experiences and how to defeat gang activity.

All students are welcome!