From marching 76-straight miles, to hunger striking for 26 days, César A. Cruz has dedicated his life to fighting for justice. He was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México and migrated to the U.S. at a young age with a single mother and grandmother. He grew up in South Central L.A. and moved to the Bay Area to study. Cruz graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in History.

A 27-year vet in education, Dr. Cruz most recently served as the Dean at Arise High in Oakland. He is also the co-founder the Homies Empowerment Program and has overseen it for over a decade. The grassroots organization is evolving to become a community-based school for youth who have been given up on. Their mission is to help youth channel the healer, warrior, scholar and hustler within on their journey towards individual and community emancipation.

Dr. Cruz is also the author of “Revenge of The Illegal Alien” and “Bang for Freedom.” He was the first Mexican immigrant male to receive his Doctorate in Ed. Leadership (Ed.L.D.) at Harvard University. Dr. Cruz is considered one of America’s 30 education thought leaders by the Christian Science Monitor. However, he is proudest to be a husband, and father of three children: Olin, Amaru and Quetzali.

Social Justice, Hispanic Heritage, Hispanic Heritage Month, Authors, Education, Diversity, Social Activism, At-Risk Youth, Youth, Youth Development Education Professionals, Empowerment, Education Motivation,