Skip The Differences Ex-Gang Member, Now Teacher, Wants More Adults To Live Inspiring Lives

Richard Santana asked a few hundred people to play a word-association game with him Tuesday night at North Central High School.

The former California gang member asked the audience what words came to mind when they thought of whites, Asians, African Americans and Latinos.

People began hollering words. Most were derogatory.

Citing a survey of 35,000 Americans done a couple of years ago, Santana said the most frequently used words to describe Asians were “hard-working, can’t drive and frugal.”

African Americans were “violent, athletic and (musically) talented.” Latinos were described as “lazy, unable to speak English and ignorant.”

Santana said whites were described as “educated, attractive and capitalistic.”

Then he asked people if they believed those words to be an accurate reflection of each group. “No,” most said.

“Then if you don’t think this is true, then why did I hear you shout out some of the same answers that were in the survey? “We are spending too much time looking at differences, and when that is done, then it becomes possible to dehumanize each other,” Santana said.

He was a third-generation gang member before ditching a life of crime, and alcohol and drug addiction.

Now Santana travels the country telling parents and teachers they need to become more involved and inspirational in the lives of children.

At the beginning of his hourlong talk, Santana wore baggy jeans, a red bandana, dark sunglasses and a full-length black coat. Then he shed the gang garb, emerging as a man in a dress shirt, tie and slacks.

“I was lucky, because someone like you touched my life,” Santana said.

He once believed all the myths perpetuated about Latinos, whom he refuses to call Hispanics. “I’m not his panic, her panic or your panic.”

Santana said his life was forever changed by a white high school teacher in Fresno, Calif. One day, she asked if he liked music.

Santana told her he liked Little Anthony and the Imperials. So did the teacher, so she invited him to her house to listen to some records.

He refused the offer.

“I wasn’t gonna be no teacher’s pet or some schoolboy in front of my homeboys.”

But the teacher persisted, telling him he could invite a friend.

“Man, I decided to invite the toughest and baddest homeboy I could think of,” Santana said. “And his answer was ‘yes.”’

Suddenly, listening to music at that teacher’s house became dinner and slumber parties with her children.

“Because that teacher took time, I believed in her,” Santana said.

“I was willing to learn and believe in this thing called education. Then I became something I hated the most: I became a teacher.”

Santana, who holds a master’s degree in education from Harvard University, urged parents and teachers to be sensitive to and understanding of the problems today’s youth face.

“Too many of our children are suffering,” he said. “I ask you, teach them love, hope and respect.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo