Antonio We Know You: Conversation with Rabbi Mintz

“Antonio, We Know You.” 

Special AUTHOR  Interview: Rabbi Sydney Mintz in conversation with congregant, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY AND author Antonio Salazar-Hodson 

Thursday, January 26 

7:00 – 8:30 pm 

Martin Meyer Sanctuary 

Antonio Salazar-Hobson story is hard to fathom. He was born into a farm-working migrant family in Arizona, the 11th of 14 children. At just 4 years old, he was kidnapped by the Hobsons — the next-door neighbors his family had grown to trust. For years, Salazar-Hobson was sexually abused and trafficked at a guest ranch in central California. To outsiders, he was believed to be the Hobsons’ adopted son. Despite his attempts to run away and even take his own life, the abuse continued. “I realized that I only had one way out, only one escape,” he said. “If I could just get that education, I wouldn’t be here anymore.” The Hobsons enrolled Antonio in school, where he quickly flourished. While in high school, Salazar-Hobson had a chance meeting with workers’ rights activist Cesar Chavez, which changed his life forever. 

Chavez recognized how smart Salazar-Hobson was and encouraged him to become a labor lawyer. Though the Hobsons still tried to ruin his life while in college by attempting to get his scholarships revoked, Salazar-Hobson became one of the most successful labor lawyers in the country — just as Chavez predicted. 

Now, Antonio’s story will be featured in LA Stories with Emmy Award winning Giselle Fernandez this month. 

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