SPOTLIGHT ON ANGELA REYES
Angela Reyes is a feisty, powerful woman who spends all her energy helping the kids in Detroit’s Hispanic community. She is the founder of DHDC, an arts/education/confidence building center. “Mexican Town” is a little known area riddled with gang warfare, drugs, HIV and broken families. DHDC is not only a safe haven for the kids but a second chance for ex-gang members to find work, rehabilitate and give back to their community.
photo by Chuck Derry
I had the honor of visiting Angela’s DHDC. I spoke to the kids, shared my beliefs regarding the Creative Process and how it heals and builds confidence. Every one has worth and we are all part of the Human Spirit. No matter how tough things are we can rise above it and help others to do the same. Life is Sacred. We should all support people like Angela and their life affirming centers.
Below is a video called "Slow Down" the DHDC staff made with the kids. I was thoroughly impressed and loved it's message about allowing kids to keep their innocence as long as they can. The modern world forces them to grow up way too fast and that will one day come back to haunt us.
Next up Spotlight on Chazz and Stump.
July 21st, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Best hearts in the world!
July 21st, 2008 at 11:36 pm
It was an honor to work with Ms. Reyes and the kids from the DHDC. Their story is a powerful one which highlights the stuggles of many young people across this country. As participants in this enviornment we have a responsiblity to address these issues. Angela Reyes is the perfect model. It was my pressure to help tell her story.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 am
thanks CRC.
Suzanne
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
CRC what a wonderful and generous thing you did to come out and visit with these very special people. You gave so much of yourself and your time, in spite of a very busy schedule, to help these kids and give them hope for a much brighter future. I hope that some day 20 years or so from now, one of these kids comes up to you and tells you of the day she or he remembers that you took that personal interest in them and how that helped them to succeed. Thanks for creating PAH and giving a forum to tell Angela Reyes’ courageous story. I know you will continue working to tell the stories of the not-so-famous people who mean so much to America. You and your staff are terrific!
Chuck
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Life is full of twists and turns and even more so for underprivledged youth. By reaching out to those kids you show them the right road to say on through leadership by example.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 pm
To Christopher, the PAH folks and to the extraordinary team from Madonna University I want to echo Angie’s thanks to you all for coming to DHDC, for creating “Esperanza”and for helping us to take our message to others outside of southwest Detroit. Under Angie;’s leadership we are inspired every day to keep going, to believe as she does and to create opportunities for our youth to realize their dreams . Welcome PAH and Madonna to the DHDC family. You are helping us to make those dreams come true.
Judy
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Esperanza is a beautifully moving film. And, for many reasons, I took this to heart. Thank you for sharing it with the world. ….. If there were only more souls with your hearts. Thank you again (from CRC on down) and God bless you all a zillion times over.
All For One, One For All – Earwax
July 25th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
That was a great, powerful video.