This week I am finally releasing a conversation I had with a dear friend of mine, Lorenzo Chapman, also known by his stage name in the dance community as “Devious”.
Though you could easily fill hours of podcasts with his life and accomplishments I know Lorenzo to have a very unique and very rich story. And that’s what I wanted to focus on today. The challenges Lorenzo and his family have had to go through and how he has transformed his situation into a vector of positive change is nothing short of extraordinary, and I feel privileged he accepted to come on the podcast and speak so candidly about his life.
My friendship with Lorenzo goes back to 2009 I believe. Back then we had met through mutual friends in the dance community. A world I had no knowledge of then, and one that has changed the course of my life in big and meaningful ways since.
From Pacoima, California. Proudly Chicano, Lorenzo is many things, namely a world renowned popping and locking street dancer. Winning many awards by competing and judging competitions and showcases. A multiple time California wrestling champion. He has also had a hand in choreographing some big Hollywood movies.
If this weren’t enough Lorenzo, along with his brothers and partners founded the non-profit organization “The GR818ERS” (pronounced ‘great-one-eighters’, their area code 818) in 2010. dedicated to improving racial and social tensions in the San Fernando Valley. This is the building block that led them to create the UNITE Cultural center whose mission reads as follows. “UNITE is a creative placemaking project, which serves as a physical and virtual space for creative expression, lifelong learning and community impact. UNITE fosters transformative spaces to build community resiliency through creative, athletic and social justice programming” .Visit AWOKE Foundation for more.
It's with this resume in mind that I want to present to my community (that's you reader) to Lorenzo Chapman, a.k.a. Devious.
Sidenote, we are joined by none other than my man Nathan Roy a.k.a. Emcee Originate halfway through, because yes, all 3 of us are dear friends.
Truly an episode you can’t miss.
Thank you for listening
Sasha
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