The James Logan Courier

By Beatrice Esteban, Courier Editor-in-Chief

Motivational speaker Arthur “AR” Renowitzky discussed gun violence and death last Thursday to Logan students.

Renowitzky, founder of Life Goes On Foundation (LGO), was shot and robbed by an unknown assailant outside a San Francisco nightclub in 2007. After a 23 day long coma, Renowitzky was told that he would never be able to walk again. His experience inspired him to help prevent similar occurrences and he founded LGO that same year.

The 22-year-old came to Logan and spoke to students during their second or third period classes with the help of Ramon Camacho, house three principal.

“I think it’s important for everyone to be more aware, and I want to help raise consciousness,” said Camacho. “This is one step in a long process, but I want to help them.”

According to Camacho, most students that attended were freshmen.

“I want to make sure that people know the stuff that’s going on, like crime and senseless violence,” said Renowitzky. “I want people to be aware of their surroundings and increase the peace.”

Renowitzky said that he started LGO as soon as he left the hospital. Since its establishment in 2007 he has held multiple fundraisers, He has also talked to numerous students in middle schools, high schools, juvenile hall facilities, hospitals and boys and girls clubs.

Despite founding the organization and being physically handicapped, Renowitzy said that life isn’t as challenging as it may seem.

“My life has changed a lot, but it doesn’t hold me back,” he said. “I can still do what I want, but anything I do is just a little bit different. The big thing is that I have my own foundation; I never thought I would be a motivational speaker.”

Even though Renowitzky has already done a lot for the community, he plans to do even more.

“It’s a young foundation, but I see it going national,” he said. “I want to be on Good Morning American and Oprah, to get out and share my message. I have big plans—I want to be the national spokesperson against gun violence.”

His big, noble plans may seem intimidating, but Renowitzky isn’t scared.

“I have a long way to go, but I keep pushing it every day.”