After being released from prison, twenty-five years ago, I began to speak to African American and Latino gangs across America. I saw the hatred among these young people, not only for those of the opposite color but also for many of their own. I began to hear their stories, and the one common denominator that most of them shared was being born in the wrong place to parents who were out of control, in jail, or addicted to drugs and no opportunity for an education. Their only form of schooling and ""parenting"" was provided by the gangs themselves. For many of these young men and women, positive role models were not there, but the gang became their security, their parent, their schoolteacher, and their pastor-like leader.  

For the next five years, I went through hell, but God never gave me more than I could handle, and then, one day, it all became alright. I walked out of prison at the age of forty, penniless and with a label that said convicted felon do not hire me. Yes, it looked dark and never-ending, but I was able to earn a master’s and a Ph.D. in biblical studies and marry. I found the most amazing, Godly women on earth, have six children and built a very wealthy company.  

At Angola, I found people that were going to die in that place yet were full of joy and knew the meaning of their lives. I discovered that they had a peace that I did not find among many in the free world. These men were in prison physically but free in spirit.

As I believe and strive to change the world, I remember a phrase that resonated with me; those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, WILL. Well, that describes me, I am mad enough to believe that I can change the world, and I will. 

Tonight at 11:59 PM, we will end another year, and as I look at the clock, the one thing I come to realize is that 2019 will never be again. The opportunities I had and did not capitalize on will not be there any longer; the opportunities I had to correct any wrong I did are no longer available. The 365 days that made up the year 2019 will never be again.

  December 1, 2019 “A Question to your grandfather” Jorge L. Valdés, Ph.D.   A young man asked his father, and grandfather:  How could you have lived your life:    Without technology? Without the internet? Without computers? Without cell phones? Without Facebook? Without Twitter? Without so much?   Suddenly the grandfather decided to respond: Look, my dear grandson, we lived, but how is it that your generation lives today:   Without prayers Without dignity Without compassion Without honor Without personality Without character Without modesty and  Without shame! Grandson, generations born between 1930 and 1980, are very blessed.  After school, we completed our chores and then went out on the streets to play. Our parents were not wealthy, they did not give us material things; they gave us something that…

Season’s Greetings from JORGE L. VALDÉS, PH.D. May God bless you and your family this Christmas season! 

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In this blog Dr. Valdés examines the impact on Greed not only on us but all those who we love

In a series of seven blogs, Dr. Valdés touches upon seven different habits people today have and which they feel no remorse for doing.

OCTOBER 1, 2019 “Why the Need to Come Clean.” Jorge L. Valdés, Ph.D. To set the stage for my upcoming blogs, it is critical for the reader to know where I am coming from When I decided to write Coming Clean, I had no desire to tell the world, nonetheless my children who their Father had been, yet, unfortunately there was a person in my life who did nothing but threaten to show not only my children who I was but anyone whom I came in contact with. One day in desperation, I decided that I was not going to be blackmailed anymore,…

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