Trigger Warning: This video and writing contains descriptions of police brutality Love gave Leon Ford the self-worth to transform and transcend being viciously shot and paralyzed by the police as an innocent 19 year old. A Sunday afternoon drive home from a relative's house turned into an unimaginable act of violence when white police officers chased down Leon’s car, jumped in the passenger seat and shot him 5 times completely unwarranted. Years later, Leon has done the unimaginable by molding the worst hate into a message of love. The steps to finding his hero within came after years of processing and acknowledging the very understandable feelings of anger, depression and terror of being slowed down by his new reality in a wheelchair. What Leon makes crystal clear in his very being is that there’s no label or circumstance that can erase our spirit. Today, Leon is the most humble and impactful of activists. Through his meditation, therapy and travel, he has mastered the art of acceptance and understanding of others, including working with police officers directly. We believe the ultimate signifier of self worth is not feeling like you have to prove anything to anyone. “When I was younger, I was louder. After I got shot, I  had to redefine what manhood was. My manhood was really based on external power, my ability to make more money than somebody, my ability to beat somebody up, my ability to date more women. I got shot and those things didn’t matter anymore. I learned that I didn't have to be loud to be powerful. I could just be myself. I could lead with love.”