Distancing oneself from gang violence in search of a better life is not easy. Neither is rejoining society after years in prison. But according to Antonio Hernandez, both can be done.
“Back then on the east side, if you grew up in a (certain) neighborhood, you start banging,” said Antonio Hernandez, also known as “Tone” or by his stage name as a Christian rap artist, “Nu Tone.”
Hernandez, a 37-year-old Stocktonian and father of three daughters, is a case manager at Friends Outside, a Stockton nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated people find their footing once they’re released from prison or jail. Hernandez works in the group’s housing program, also known as the “Welcome Home Team.”…