Press Release

Ex-Gang Member to Give Tough Message at Manual High School About Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Constructively

April 30, 2001

Dressed in his old gang attire, Richard Santana, once known as "Mr. Chocolaté", will talk to Manual High School students about Hispanic pride and the meaning of Cinco de Mayo.

"We want our students to understand the importance of Cinco de Mayo and why it should be celebrated in a positive way," said Marsha Pointer, Assistant Principal at Manual High School. "That's why we asked Mr. Santana to help drive home that message."

Santana will speak on Friday, May 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Manual High School, 1700 E. 28th Ave.

Santana became the third generation of his family to join one of the largest gangs in California. After years of violence, drugs, and a life of crime, Santana credits teachers and education for his transformation. Eventually, he graduated from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.