We Are Alex Meeting

The following Sunday Felicia and I went to the CARECEN’s building where the We Are Alex (wearealex.org) group was meeting to organize and gain momentum before his bail hearing. A large group of us filled this large newly remodeled space, a handful of his family members joined in and we were fortunate to hear from both Julia from We Are Alex San Francisco and Alex himself was able to call us from the correction facility about his situation and the importance to support Homies Unidos. Alex stressed the he was meeting others inside with similar struggles and that being inside reinforced his passion to organize and work with gang members and former prisoners. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the various circles of support and for those that were helping his family in this time of need.

I was very impressed by the commitment of several people who came to the meeting not the mention the two young leaders of the meeting and the group. Much conversation about Alex’s integrity as a community leader and his devotion to finding a way to insure a fair trial in the face of what seemed to be systematic discrimination against him, his community and the very nature of these gang intervention programs. As we all sat in a circle in the middle of the room on metal fold out chairs, kids ran around in the background as we spoke about our questions or concerns mostly pertaining to individuals finding the best way to help the cause. An underlying tenacity in maintaining hope for Alex was present throughout the meeting, exemplified when, still in a circle, we held hands and said two words concerning our cause before we set off.


Alex's brother holds a mic to a cellphone while Alex speaks to the group.