A full day of SPI 2012!

 As I get ready for the first full day in the exhibit hall at SPI 2012 - Orlando, I can't help but feel nervous -- Will we be accepted?  Will we be dismissed?  It's challenging work to convince people to employ ex-gang members with criminal records in their past -- but this is what we do.  We stand up as we have been taught by the Founder of Homeboy Industries, Father Gregory Boyle, for those that are marginalized, those that have been easily despised -- those that have been excluded from the circle of kinship that is the human race. Father Boyle has been doing this for 25 years now -- and it was a lot more of a challenge when he began -- so I shake off the doubt and the fear, and I roll up my sleeves as he taught me, and I do the work... 

My boy Thaddeus was not quite as pumped up as I was for the day...I guess it was a little early for him --I'm sure he was a little tired from ziplining and wrestling gators the day before...

But he quickly cheered up...as he was greeted by the Hyundai Solar Honeys...

We saw some innovative products -- 

Solar Porsche!

Solar Canopies...

And solar panels strong enough to hold a full-sized gator wrestler like Thaddeus!

Even solar refrigerators to keep vaccines cool...

And a whole bunch of other interesting products...

...as well as some "interesting people"...

And Thaddeus just can't stay away from the wildlife here in Florida...

Yes, a solar polar bear...

The person that impacted me the most though, was the gentleman that is in the photo with me below.  His name is Teal Brown, and his organization, Everblue, actually goes into federal prisons and trains guys in Photovoltaics (solar electricity) installation.  He recognized me from the article in Photon Magazine that came out a few months ago that featured our Solar Panel Training & Certification Program.  The work that he is doing really inspired me -- you rock Teal, keep doing the amazing job that you have dedicated yourself to!

Well, time to get ready for the SPI 2012 Block Party at the Hard Rock Cafe...it aint no Homegirl Cafe, but it'll do.  Full report on that tomorrow morning...

To check out the Photon article written on Homeboy Industries Solar Panel Training & Certification Program, go to: Gangs To Green Jobs