Luis Jonathan Hernandez is an organizer and activist recognized by BBC Global as 10 Latinos Under 30 Inspiring America. Leading initiatives at the intersection of racial justice and violence prevention he is a movement strategist, creative and non-profit advisor, and a social impact ambassador. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Youth Over Guns, Luis is a leading voice for change in the gun violence prevention movement.
Born and raised in the South Bronx, New York City has molded his ambition, loyalty to the community, and grounding in Black Radical Tradition. Growing up in the nation’s poorest congressional district as an Afro-Latino made him no stranger to constant experiences of gun violence and unending police brutality in his neighborhood. At the age of 14, Luis watched his brother go unjustly through America’s Criminal Legal System for a crime he didn’t commit. Forced to act out of survival Luis began to speak out for safety and justice demanding system change in bail, policing, and jail conditions– which led to the enactment of bail reform legislation in NYS. Soon after he became a Justice League NYC member and has since grown to lead national campaigns for youth at the task force’s parent organization: The Gathering for Justice.
Luis has supported constituent services at the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, testified on overcriminalization in schools at the New York City Council, and has been recognized for ‘his active engagement and commitment to combating injustices’ by The Office of The Brooklyn Borough President. As a former National Organizer with Women’s March Youth Empower, Luis has also coordinated #Enough Walkouts, mobilized young voters across New York State to the polls, and organized a National Youth Week of Action. He has also led notable public demonstrations like the Youth Over Guns march over the Brooklyn Bridge and #FirePantaleo protests amongst others.
