February 24, 2025 • 52 mins
In this episode of Dog in the Yard, we sit down with Swerve, a man whose life journey is a powerful testament to resilience, creativity, and transformation. Born in Lower Manhattan in 1989, Swerve was raised between South Yonkers and Avenue A in Manhattan, navigating a childhood marked by struggle, survival, and the influence of activism.
His mother, an HIV/AIDS advocate, battled her own hardships, while his father’s repeated incarcerations forced Swerve to find his own way. Inspired by his grandfather’s University of the Streets, a community-driven mission, Swerve was exposed to music, activism, and the arts from an early age. But despite the positive influences, his life took a turn, leading to five years in prison.
Since his release, Swerve has transformed his life. Now the Executive Director of University of the Streets, he’s dedicated to uplifting his community through music therapy, financial literacy programs, and mentorship. He’s also the CEO of Council of Wealth Records, a fashion designer, a published author, and the filmmaker behind the urban-acclaimed movie Money Over Love.
Through music, fashion, and film, Swerve is redefining what it means to rise above the past and create a future filled with purpose.
📢 Watch now and hear Swerve’s powerful journey firsthand.
🔗 Stay connected with Swerve: @swervey_de_lawrence
🎥 Watch the full episode now!
#DogInTheYard #Swerve #PrisonReform #RedemptionStory #SecondChances #LifeAfterPrison #CommunityBuilding #MusicAndActivism
His mother, an HIV/AIDS advocate, battled her own hardships, while his father’s repeated incarcerations forced Swerve to find his own way. Inspired by his grandfather’s University of the Streets, a community-driven mission, Swerve was exposed to music, activism, and the arts from an early age. But despite the positive influences, his life took a turn, leading to five years in prison.
Since his release, Swerve has transformed his life. Now the Executive Director of University of the Streets, he’s dedicated to uplifting his community through music therapy, financial literacy programs, and mentorship. He’s also the CEO of Council of Wealth Records, a fashion designer, a published author, and the filmmaker behind the urban-acclaimed movie Money Over Love.
Through music, fashion, and film, Swerve is redefining what it means to rise above the past and create a future filled with purpose.
📢 Watch now and hear Swerve’s powerful journey firsthand.
🔗 Stay connected with Swerve: @swervey_de_lawrence
🎥 Watch the full episode now!
#DogInTheYard #Swerve #PrisonReform #RedemptionStory #SecondChances #LifeAfterPrison #CommunityBuilding #MusicAndActivism
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