It's about being a voice in the community. There's so many ways to be a voice, and that's what I'm figuring out.
Being an artist, being an actor, it's about telling stories that could heal, that could open up discussion that could make the community better.
There's comes a point when people who have lived a life of crime get tired and want to change.
I believe God talks to us in mysterious ways. I knew if I did not pay attention to His message, I was going to do life in prison, or I was going to end up dead.
I spent my life behind bars, and what people don't know is getting out of prison is really nerve-racking - you're not used to society; you're not used to the world going by so fast - so to step on that lot was quite overwhelming.
In society, you are taught to belong. You have to belong to something.
If we grow up in these communities where we have gangs, well, what do you think we're going to belong to? That's what happened to me and what's still happening to hundreds of thousands of other individuals.
Homeboy Industries is a healing center for broken children. I was a broken child, and they showed me how to put all those pieces back together. It's not about being a gangster. It's about being a man or a woman trying to recover and live better.
Just like the rest of the world, I became a product of my environment, and this environment was gang culture.
I think 98% of gang members in Los Angeles would agree that being a gang is just like being part of a community.
Your only true obligation in a gang is to be committed and be there when your brothers need you.
As an actor, I draw from myself.
There are many things in common with my life and my character in 'American Crime.' My upbringing has definitely helped me out in this role.
I never became an actor for people to want to take pictures with me or wanting my autograph. I feel I am nothing more special than the next living soul, but I understand that I work in entertainment, and this attraction comes with the territory.
Audiences are more drawn in to what they can relate to, so it would be stupid not to have great Latino films for the Latino audience.
I didn't grow up with any brothers, but I have my cousins, and I had my good friends, so I know what it is to have that bro relationship.
No one cares about you when you're in jail.
