Love In Action
Violence is occurring all around, but we often forget just how dangerous, drug ridden, gang-run and poor some communities really are. The media doesn’t always highlight the circumstances of these communities; the stories about those living on or below the poverty line aren’t always “newsworthy”. Erica Ford has dedicated her life to changing this narrative. She strives to bring disadvantaged children and families into the consciousness of the public through her initiative, I Lead With Love. The initiative works to pull strong, resilient kids out of painful circumstances, involvements in gangs and listen to their struggles and underlying emotions. We need to teach love. We need to understand their pain. Erica Ford’s efforts are actively changing the definition of poverty and the future of our communities.
Russell Simmons supports Erica Ford’s efforts as he shares powerful words about his life and the different kinds of tools that were at his disposal when he was struggling to find his purpose and reach success after being born into a family dealing with drug addiction.
44:45 | 2014
Erica Ford grew up in Jamaica, Queens in the 1980s, where crack usage and gun violence was an everyday occurrence. With a burning desire to help infect positive change in her community, Erica attended a rally for the December 12th Movement, an international human rights group. Joining the movement empowered Erica and solidified her life goal to become a change maker.
Throughout the years, Erica’s dedication to reducing violence among young New Yorkers has garnered countless awards, praise and recognition by notable public figures such as Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Reverend Al Sharpton and Hip-Hop Mogul Russell Simmons. Her recognized leadership has brought extensive travel and speaking gigs in prisons, community centers, high schools, college campuses and conferences throughout the country and internationally. After over 30 years of dedicating herself to championing today’s youth, Erica Ford shows no signs of stopping.