A motivational and aspirational conversation with a formerly incarcerated man who transformed from founder and leader of the Dallas Bloods to a practitioner of peace and nonviolence in the neighborhood he once helped destroy
As a child of an incarcerated father, Antong Lucky grew up in an impoverished, crime-ridden neighborhood in East Dallas, Texas, born at the same time as East Dallas experienced an alarming rise in crack cocaine and heroin use. Despite his high grades and passion for learning, Antong is introduced to gang life and its consequences.
Eventually, Antong forms the Dallas Bloods gang, inaugurating a period in the 1990s of escalating retaliatory gun violence buoyed by a lucrative illegal drug enterprise until he is ultimately arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison. His journey through the doors of transformation came through the pain of incarceration and introspection that caused him to question the cognitive distortions embedded in him since childhood.
Once in prison, Antong denounced his gang affiliation and began working to unite rival gangs, quickly rising to become one of the most respected and sought-after mentors in prison. A spiritual transformation further inspired Antong to return to his old neighborhood after early release. This is when Antong connected with Omar Jahwar, a local leader and helped negotiate the first ever Peace Treaty in Dallas. From there the two began to work to heal individuals, families and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Redemptive Activism) became Antong’s foundation to bring people together from all walks of life. He trains police officers and community members on effective strategies to build harmony. Antong is considered a hero in many communities.
Get Antong’s New Book: A Redemptive Path Forward: From Incarceration to a Life of Activism.
Learn more about Antong at Urban Specialists, Heal America, Bishop Omar School of Entrepreneurship, & Stand Together. Listen to Part 1 of this Episode
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