Publications and Research
Document Type
Book Chapter or Section
Publication Date
Spring 5-2025
Abstract
In this chapter, based on life history interviews with Antonio Fernandez, former leader of New York ‘s Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, I trace his life course development since his release from prison, including its turning points and trajectories. Through this analysis, I describe the pathways of this complex and contradictory historical social actor as he recounts and reflects on his experiences of survival, resistance, adaptation and transformation over more than a decade of confinement. During this period in total institutions, often carrying the stigma of King Tone, he learned to be patient, not to rise to the bait of inmates and/or correctional officers, to educate himself, to strategize and to negotiate with friend and foe. In his narrative, he did all this to maintain his dignity while holding onto the hopes and dreams of transforming himself and his community while imagining the day he finally emerges as “free,” triumphant and returning citizen.
