Unmasked ArtHop Profile | Richard Burrell
Richard Burrell
Founder and Executive Director, Live Again Fresno
“What we’ve done is be as consistent as we possibly can in these young people’s lives.” Understanding that they’re going to make choices, but if we put down pathways to different opportunities, those hopefully will be the choices that they make.”
As founder and executive director of Live Again Fresno, Richard Burrell has made the children of Parkway Drive, one of Fresno’s most forgotten areas, his paramount focus. He spent 20 years in and out of prison, doing whatever necessary for his gang daily. Following a medical diagnosis, Burrell experienced an awakening and decided to do good for someone else. He found himself at The Fresno Inn, Parkway’s epicenter of drugs, prostitution, gang violence, and sex offenders. In the midst of the chaos were nearly 40 children who called the property home. He began playing soccer with the kids, learning a new name and story each day. Since 2012, Live Again Fresno has grown to serve 15 motel properties and more than 120 children, providing them with mentorship, mobile food services, bible study, arts programs, music classes, and exposure trips. In his spare time, Burrell enjoys gardening, traveling to the ocean with his wife, and watching his four children put on fashion shows and stomp routines with his three nieces.
“I met Richard at 15. He was just out of prison and I looked forward to finally meeting him. He was a legend to the young homies from the Fresno Flatz. He exhorted me to consider the consequences of gang life. He asked, ‘Are you down to give your life for this?’ He gave me the freedom to say yes or no. I said yes and he said ‘then give it 100.’ Later, we were in prison together. When I gave my life to Jesus, he asked me the same question, ‘Are you down to give your life for this.’ I said ‘yes’ and he responded with ‘give it 100.’ Richard has modeled this keep-it-100 lifestyle. When he became a Christian, I watched him give 100 the same way he gave the thug life 100. This has always inspired me. Not too many leaders in our city keep their word and commitment like Richard. I love that brother. He is my big brother.” — Ivan Pas, Co-Project Manager, Fresno Metro Ministry