Julius Thibodeaux

California

Julius Thibodeaux Jr. is the Strategy Program Manager for the Advance Peace Organization of Sacramento, a national organization that focuses on cyclical and retaliatory community gun violence. Julius got his start as a life skills instructor/credible mentor for the Office of Neighborhood Safety in Richmond, California working with high risk youth at the center of gun violence. Julius has been instrumental in working with other members of the city wide collaborative called “Healing the Hood” to successfully guide youth on a historic 28 month run of no juvenile homicides. Julius has worked with Gifford’s Law Center and Moms Demand Action to advocate for increased funding for CalVIP from $30 million to $200 million in 2021.

Julius is an author and former underground rap artist who recorded under the name Jay Jonah of C.I.N. Julius currently trains credible mentors in the realm of anger management, emotional intelligence, the art of de-escalation, and work etiquette/professionalism. He is a former lifer, having served 23 years in prison. In December of 2020 he was recognized by Senator Richard Pan (Sixth Senate District) and Earth Mama Healing Inc. for Outstanding Community Service and awarded the State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition during the 9th Annual Men of Honor Community Tribute. Julius is the father of four, with four grandchildren and a loving husband of 16 years. He is also the Assistant Imam at Masjid AsSabur where he currently serves as prayer/community leader.