Father Greg Boyle To Deliver Inspiring Keynote Address At Pasadena City College Event

Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, will return to Pasadena City College on Tuesday, March 11, to deliver a keynote address at a special event co-hosted by the Community Overcoming Recidivism through Education (CORE) Program and the PCC Retirees Association. The event, which takes place at the Creveling Lounge on campus, aims to inspire attendees with Boyle’s insights on community empowerment, social justice, and compassion.

“As founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, Father Boyle will share his experiences and insights on community empowerment, social justice, and compassion,” according to the event announcement.

The three-hour event begins with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. Father Boyle, a Jesuit priest who served at Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights from 1986 to 1992, will be greeted by Pasadena City College’s Superintendent/President José A. Gómez. Attendees will also hear presentations from current CORE scholars who are also part of the Homeboy Industries community.

Homeboy Industries began in 1988 as a jobs program and bakery providing opportunities for rival gang members in East Los Angeles. The organization has since grown into the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, serving over 10,000 former gang members annually.

This collaboration highlights the shared values of both hosting organizations despite their different missions. The CORE program focuses on supporting formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students through comprehensive educational and vocational development. The PCC Retirees Association serves as a connection between retired faculty and the college community while supporting students through scholarships, awarding over $20,000 to deserving students in 2024.

Father Boyle will also sign copies of his latest book, “Cherished Belonging,” following the presentations. His approach to addressing gang violence through compassion, employment, and kinship has transformed thousands of lives and has been replicated by over 250 organizations worldwide.

The event is open to all ages and will be held at the Creveling Lounge, located at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. on the Pasadena City College campus.

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