The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company Web Site

This year The Unusual Suspects (US) celebrates its birthday by spotlighting 15 voices from the last 15 years. These voices represent the community of youth, artists, staff, volunteers, funders and partners that have been such an important of our history. Keep your eyes open for the next 15 Years, 15 Voices and make the next 15 years as transformative as the last by helping us reach our goal of raising $150,000 the next 15 months!

An Unusual Journey to The White House…José Ramirez

An Unusual Journey to The White House…José Ramirez José Ramirez knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles. A decade ago his mother died tragically in a fire, leaving the then ten-year old José to raise his two small siblings. Living in Compton, José saw few choices for his future and became involved with a gang. José spent much of his adolescence on the street “hustlin’,” a lifestyle that eventually caught up to him. When he was seventeen, José was arrested and incarcerated at Camp David Gonzales Probation Camp.

It was during this period of incarceration that José learned of The Unusual Suspects and, through participation in one of US’ theatre workshops, found hope in a new kind of family. “It was something amazing that I never had in my hood. When I signed up for Unusual Suspects I felt like it was the beginning of my dream, my chance,” he remembers.

José played an important role in the creation of the original play These Shoes are Made for Playing. He's incredibly proud that he created two characters, Dice and Lucky. It was through the imagining of these characters that José began to see what he had to offer the world. “The characters were a lot like me, funny, active and skillful,” he says.

When José was released early from Camp Gonzales he vowed to change his life. He began to believe in the possibilities that were before him and, as a result, obtained his GED, enrolled in courses at El Camino College and got a job. He was thrilled when, fifteen years after coming to the United States, he was awarded citizenship.

In January, José traveled to Washington D.C. to represent US when they were awarded the prestigious Coming Up Taller award by First Lady Laura Bush at the White House. “We selected José to represent US at The White House because he has truly changed his life around for the positive,” comments Priscilla Jaworski, US Managing Director. “José represents the hope in all of us and is a true testament to the resiliency of our youth when given positive opportunities. We’re so proud of José, for the things he has overcome, but moreover for the man he wants to be. His transformation has truly been electrifying.”

“If it weren’t for The Unusual Suspects, I would be dead or in prison,” José says. When asked what he thinks was the most important thing he learned from working with US, Jose thinks for a second and then says something maybe a little unexpected. “To be patient. Something spectacular is going to happen in your life- just wait for it.”

For José Ramirez, these words ring true now more than ever.

-All 15 Years, 15 Voices articles written by Kristen Scott

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