Founder and CEO Andre Rodriguez, born and raised on the streets of the lower west side of Chicago, always sensed that he was creative. But despite his early entrance into the hip hop scene– with breakdance, graffiti, and the music industry, his artistic expression was put on hold when he was drawn into street life at a young age. After multiple arrests, losing too many loved ones, and spending 10 years in federal prison, however, Dre’s journey was just beginning. Released in 2016, Dre came out into a changed world; the people in his life had moved on, places were different, and technology had advanced. As he got to know his 11 year old son and son’s friends, Dre quickly realized that smartphones were a tool for connecting with youth. With just the camera on his iPhone and some determination, Dre started Luv City. What first began as an opportunity to build a relationship with his son, turned into a mission to create digital content that rivals professional production companies while reclaiming the narratives of our city. Now a 501(c)3 non profit, Luv City serves communities all over Chicago, empowering people to express themselves, examine their identities, tell their stories to a larger audience, process trauma and heal.