About

We’re gang veterans who survived the streets and reimagined our lives. We started Love is Stronger to make the most of our second chance — not just for ourselves, but for the community we grew up with, the community we love.

Growing up, gang life was all around us. We didn’t have positive role models or much supervision, and we got involved young, following the paths of our friends, neighbors, and families. We sold drugs and went after rivals. We held guns; we shot them. It shook us to our core, but we didn’t know what else to do back then. We lived with fear, anger, and trauma.

Prison changed us. We found mentors, education, and the strength that comes when you start healing your soul. We came out committed to sharing our lessons and our love with others who face the same risks.

Love is Stronger helps kids and families protect themselves and each other from the violent cycles that have claimed so many lives. In our future Portland, our beautiful Black youth will never feel drawn toward drugs, gangs, and violence. Instead, they’ll feel the power and promise of a community built on opportunity, strength, and love.