Distinguished Gentleman of the Month: Dieter Cantu

Dieter Cantu / UTSA and Wayland Baptist/ Fall 2015 

Program Manager Harris County & Executive Director of Position of Power

IG :@dietercantu @_respectwomen 

Twitter @dieter_cantu 

Cantus Books to Incarcerated Youth Project & Respect Women Campaign

1.    What does "Distinguished Gentleman" mean to you? 

A man of good reputation, principles, and moral character. Someone who is experienced and can share wisdom, and isn’t afraid to push the boundaries for the sake of the culture.

2. What is your brand and how did you get started? (If you do not have a brand, you could talk about moves you’ve made to make a difference in your community, job/career, etc. and how it has helped you) 

My brand started from serving time as a minor and not having available resources. I started various brands that focus on criminal justice reform, and have created campaigns focused on police accountability, restorative justice, bail reform, gender equality, and more.

3.What is your dream goal and how do you plan on achieving it? 

Becoming a Diplomat for the Dept of State or working on conflict resolution/international relief through the United Nations. I plan on achieving it by learning three more languages and taking my FSO exam.

4. Name a moment that you feel helped shape you into the young man that you are today. 

Spending time incarcerated, after serving four years for a juvenile charge and first arrest I was motivated to become a catalyst for change and improving the criminal justice system. 

5. Name a person (dead or alive) that you look up to & why?

Huey P Newton. Because I started my career path as a community organizer and his concepts were ahead of its time. Though many viewed Huey P Newton as just a radical and an activist, he was also a college graduate receiving his PHD, provided free breakfast programs, and martial arts/self-defense courses for youth.

6. When it comes to being a man, what do you feel should be the three core values that a gentleman should uphold?

Chivalry, Morals, Individuality

7. What is a quote that live by and how do you live up to it? 

We play the hands of cards life gives us. And the worst hands can make us the best players.

8. Piece of advice that you would give to young men of color who do not believe in themselves or lack role models?

If you lack a role model feel free to get in contact with me and I have absolutely no problem helping you in achieve your goals and providing advice and connections. Many people tell the youth to do better but don’t show them how to do better, and I refrain to fit myself into that category. Stay curious, stay self-motivated, and stay focused.