Lighting the Path to a Meaningful And Purposeful Future

DONALD LACY

Owner

LoveLife Foundation

In America, youth violence remains an unsettling crisis, claiming thousands of lives each year. But behind every statistic, there is a story—a family, a dream cut short. For Donald E. Lacy, Jr., the tragedy was deeply personal. In 1997, his 16-year-old daughter, LoEshe Adanma Lacy, was shot and killed as an innocent bystander in Oakland. Her name, LoEshe, means “Love Life” in Ibo/Nigerian—a heartbreaking irony that would soon become the foundation of a powerful movement. Instead of being consumed by grief, Lacy turned his pain into purpose. He founded the LoveLife Foundation, an initiative dedicated to uplifting at-risk youth through education, mentorship, and creative expression. By providing training in multimedia, technology, and the arts, the foundation offers young people an alternative to violence, guiding them toward a future of possibility. Lacy’s life has been a testament to resilience—not just as an activist but as a multi-faceted artist. A respected actor, comedian, and playwright, he has graced both stage and screen, starring in films like Blood In, Blood Out and About Cherry. His critically acclaimed one-man show, ColorStruck, now in its 15th year, explores race and identity, using humor and drama to challenge societal norms. The play has captivated audiences nationwide, from the National Black Theatre Festival to New York’s Theater for the New City. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the Donald E. Lacy, Jr. Social Justice Award, he continues to prove that art can be a catalyst for change. Through his unwavering commitment to justice, storytelling, and mentorship, Lacy reminds the world that even in the face of unspeakable loss, one can choose to rebuild — not just for oneself but for future generations. TradeFlock sat down with Donald E. Lacy, Jr. for an exclusive interview to delve deeper into his extraordinary journey.

How do your multiple roles shape your work with LoveLife?

I’ve always believed that every experience—whether behind the camera, on stage, or in a writer’s room— has something to teach. My work with LoveLife is no different. When I talk to the youth, I don’t just give advice; I share real moments from my journey—wins, failures, and everything in between. One thing I always tell them is, “Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about learning to work seamlessly with others.” Whether you’re on a film set or in a boardroom, collaboration is everything. I want them to see that no matter where life takes them, the ability to work cohesively with others will always set them apart.

What does success mean to you beyond awards?

Awards are great, but they don’t define success for me. What really matters is seeing the young people I’ve worked with go on to graduate, build careers they’re proud of, and create meaningful lives for themselves. At the end of the day, “my success is measured by the success of the youth we serve.” Watching them break barriers, chase their dreams, and build something better for their future—that’s the kind of success that truly means something to me.

What’s the biggest challenge in keeping LoveLife thriving?

Passion drives LoveLife, but passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. Like any non-profit organization, our biggest challenge is funding. We don’t have a full-time staff— most of our team comprises incredible volunteers who believe in our mission. Most dollars we raise goes directly to the youth we serve, many of whom live at or below the poverty line. For 28 years, we’ve been showing up for at-risk youth, even when resources were scarce. “Until 2022, we never even had an operating budget of $100,000.” That says a lot about our commitment—but also about the uphill battle we fight every day to keep this movement alive.

How do you recharge and stay inspired in your work?

You know, people always ask me how I keep going, how I don’t burn out. The truth is, I don’t have to search for motivation—it lives with me every single day. The LoveLife Foundation wasn’t just an idea; it was my daughter LoEshe’s dream. At just 16, she was a peace activist, a conflict resolution mediator, and a beacon of hope for so many. Then, in an instant, she was gone—an innocent victim of gun violence on October 20, 1997. But her light didn’t go out. “My secret is being inspired by her loving, luminous spirit—it fuels me with the strength and purpose to keep showing up for the youth who deserve a real shot at success.” This work isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. It’s what she started, and I’ll never stop carrying it forward.