Rivers of Blood

I've seen Bound by Honor: Blood In, Blood Out at least 20 times, and I love it. The three-hour epic chronicles the lives of three Latino guys and their struggles—one becomes a junkie artist, one an undercover narc and one a prison gang leader. It made me love Benjamin Bratt (I'll give you one guess as to his character) and fear and dread almost every other character in the movie. Until now, that is. Imagine my surprise to learn the real-life story of Victor Rivers (aka Magic Mike of La Onda—the mafia-like prison gang in the film): Rivers was a victim of child abuse at the hands of his father and, with the help of friends and his community, went from gang member to class president, scholarship recipient and professional football player, all before moving to Hollywood and landing roles in movies and television. The role of his life, however, is acting as spokesman for the National Network to End Domestic Violence. It's in this capacity that he'll be the guest speaker at the 10th Annual Texas Trailblazer Award Luncheon, honoring local women who have overcome obstacles and opened the doors of opportunity for others. The luncheon benefits The Family Place, a local agency which counsels and shelters victims of family violence. It all starts Wednesday at noon (registration at 11:30 a.m.) at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave. Tickets are $100. Call 214-443-7717 or visit familyplace.org.
Wed., Aug. 23, noon