From Despair to Hope: Connecting the Dots between Gangs & Extremism
Los Angeles: In the face of a constant stream of shooting sprees, terror attacks and urban violence, what are concerned citizens to do? Join the Muslim Public Affairs Council, All Saints Church Pasadena and Homeboy Industries as they tackle this question during a community forum, “From Despair to Hope: Connecting the Dots Between Gangs & Extremism,” on Sunday, June 30, at 6 pm in the sanctuary at All Saints Church.
This timely event will feature a diverse panel of experts, including Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, and Dr Maher Hathout, MPAC’s Senior Adviser, in a conversation about the commonalities and solutions of keeping youth from joining violent gangs and from turning to violent extremism.
“More and more, we are seeing that the root cause of what draws someone into violent extremism is similar to what draws someone into gang violence,” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC’s President. “Online radicalization and violent extremism are not separate ‘foreign’ issues that are distinct from the violence we see on our streets.”
For 25 years, Homeboy Industries and its founder, Fr. Boyle, have helped former gang members redirect their lives and become contributing members of their families and community. Homeboy Industries is the largest gang-intervention program in the nation and has become a model for other organizations and cities.
From Despair to Hope:
Connecting the Dots between Gangs & Violent Extremism
WHO:
Father Greg Boyle , Founder of Homeboy Industries
Dr. Maher Hathout , MPAC’s Senior Adviser
Edina Lekovic , MPAC’s Director of Policy and Programming
Mikala Rahn , PhD, Founder of Learning Works Charter School
Dr. Eric Walsh , Pasadena Director of Public Health
WHEN: Sunday, June 30, from 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: All Saints Church
132 N. Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Founded in 1988, MPAC is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of American Muslims.
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