Meet Luther Gray | Community Leader & Dance Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luther Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luther, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Bakersfield, California. I grew up on the southeast side of the city, which is known as a high crime and low-income area. My upbringing in “the hood” has had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. Witnessing the challenges faced by those living in underserved communities firsthand has fueled a strong desire within me to give back and support those less fortunate.

This personal background has motivated me to leverage my talents and skills to provide free performing arts services to at-risk youth in my community. I’m passionate about using the arts as a means of enriching the lives of young people who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities. My own experiences growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood have imbued me with empathy, resilience and a commitment to making a positive difference for others in similar circumstances.

The challenges I faced, and observed others facing, as a youth have profoundly shaped my values, priorities and the person I’ve become. Rather than letting those difficulties define me negatively, I’ve chosen to channel them into a drive to uplift my community and create more equitable access to the transformative power of the arts. My Bakersfield roots have instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and passion for uplifting the less fortunate – values that are core to my identity today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Dance has been a lifelong passion of mine, woven into the fabric of my identity from a very young age. Growing up, I was immersed in the vibrant dance culture of my community, watching my dad and his friends popping and locking back in the early 90s. That exposure sparked something deep within me, and in 2002 I was introduced to the dynamic styles of clowning and krump. That was a pivotal moment that truly changed the trajectory of my life.

I quickly rose to become a dance leader in my neighborhood, driven by an innate passion to share my talents and uplift the young people around me through the power of movement and performance. In 2014, I took that commitment to the next level by opening the first and only performing arts academy in Southeast Bakersfield. It was a challenging endeavor, but one that allowed me to pour my heart and soul into nurturing the artistic gifts of underserved youth in my community.

The journey has been filled with both triumphs and obstacles, but I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way. One of my proudest achievements was being honored with the Beautiful Bakersfield Award for Arts and Culture in 2022 – a testament to the impact of my work. But the true reward comes from seeing the transformative effect the arts can have on young people’s lives, empowering them to find their voice and believe in their own limitless potential.

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of expanding my reach even further, instructing dance and yoga classes for inmates within the California state prison system. And I was truly humbled to be selected as a key stage performer for the educational production “School Yard Rap”, which allows me to fuse my artistry with my commitment to uplifting youth.

At the heart of my story and my brand is a deep-seated passion for using the performing arts as a vehicle for social change. I’m driven to provide access and opportunity to communities that have historically been underserved, igniting the creative spark within young people and helping them discover the transformative power that lies within. This is my purpose, my calling – to be a catalyst for positive transformation through the boundless medium of art.

I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to pursue their passions relentlessly, to overcome challenges with resilience, and to wield their unique gifts in service of uplifting their communities. The road has not always been easy, but the rewards have been immeasurable. This is my story, and I’m honored to share it with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, Bakersfield, California may not be the most traditionally “exciting” destination, but as a local, I know all the hidden gems and nearby cities that can make for an unforgettable experience. Since my best friend is visiting, I’d want to show them the best of both my hometown and the surrounding regions.

We’d start right here in Bakersfield by hitting some of my favorite spots. First up, I’d take them on a morning hike at The Bluff’s – the views from up there are absolutely breathtaking. After working up an appetite, we’d head to my go-to breakfast spot, Spencer’s, for a hearty meal to fuel our day.

In the afternoon, we’d stroll through the beautiful Riverwalk Park – it’s such a peaceful and scenic oasis right in the heart of the city. We could browse the shops, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, and just soak in the laidback vibes. And if they’re up for it, a little siesta in the park could be the perfect midday recharge.

As the sun starts to set, I’d take them downtown to experience the vibrant music and dining scene. There are so many great restaurants, bars, and live music venues, and the best part is that a lot of them are completely free to enjoy. We could bar hop, people watch, and really immerse ourselves in the local culture.

But of course, Bakersfield is just the starting point. Since we’re so centrally located, I’d want to take advantage of the easy access to some incredible nearby cities. Over the next few days, we’d road trip it to places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and San Diego.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people and companies have helped me along the way and I’m grateful to be able to give them a well-deserved shoutout. First and foremost, I have to give a huge thanks to all the parents and students I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. Connecting with and supporting young people in my community is the heart and soul of what I do, and I’m grateful for their trust and openness to the performing arts programs I provide.

A special shoutout also has to go to Ms. Diane McGee, who has been an invaluable mentor to me. Her guidance and wisdom have been instrumental in shaping my approach and keeping me motivated, especially in the tougher times.

I also need to recognize Jovon “Kingdom Activist” Dangerfield – his passion and energy for uplifting our community have been a constant inspiration. And of course, I have to give a big thanks to Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and Vice Principal Laflaesha Owens, who have championed my work and helped open doors in the local government and education systems.

The NAACP Bakersfield Branch has also been a tremendous ally, providing support and resources that have been vital to the success of my programs. And I’m forever grateful to arts-focused organizations like the Arts Council of Kern County, Kern Dance Alliance, Kern Community Foundation, and the Wendale Davis Foundation. Their belief in the power of the arts to transform lives has been essential.

Last but not least, I have to shout out Stay Focused Ministries and the one-and-only Tommy The Clown. Their spiritual guidance and community influence have been invaluable in keeping me grounded and connected to the larger purpose of my work.

I truly couldn’t have done any of this without the village of support behind me – from parents and students to civic leaders and arts nonprofits. Each of these individuals and entities has played a unique and crucial role in my journey, and I’m humbled and honored to be able to recognize them. This community has lifted me up and I’m proud to be giving back in whatever way I can.

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