From gang member to scholar
Juan Obed Silva is a former gang member who has been a paraplegic since being shot while stealing beer from a Stanton liquor store in 1997. He has since reformed, getting an education and earning a master’s in English from Cal State L.A., and is trying to become a teacher. But he may soon be deported for a crime he committed a decade ago. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Juan Obed Silva shares a laugh with his mother, Marcela Mendoza, in their Buena Park kitchen. He hopes to move back to L.A. if he isn’t deported. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Juan Obed Silva is is unsure what his future will be: whether he will be able to stay in the U.S. and continue on his new path or be deported back to Mexico because of an assault conviction a decade ago. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Juan Obed Silva concentrates on the ball during a practice for disabled athletes in Cerritos. He has been participating in league play for eight years. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Like his teammates, Juan Obed Silva has become agile in the use of his wheelchair. For basketball games he uses a specially designed chair with slanted wheels. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Juan Obed Silva practices dribbling while his wheelchair basketball league teammates run a speed drill. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Juan Obed Silva greets relatives of other players as he enters the gym for practice. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
Juan Obed Silva heads for basketball practice at the Cerritos Sports Complex. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)
