TIME FLYs! Bobby Gonz Story

Dreamz can’t be caged:
From Life Sentence to World Stage

As FLY celebrates 25 years, we’re reconnecting with alumni to hear where their journeys have taken them. Today, we’re honored to share the story of Bobby Gonz, who first came to FLY’s Law Program more than two decades ago when he was just 14 years old.

THE BEGINNING

Bobby was a kid from San Jose who loved music. At the time, he couldn’t see too far ahead, but when he imagined his future, he dreamed of a simple life somewhere peaceful. Like many of the youth we serve, Bobby’s path to FLY was mandated through probation and, also like many youth we serve, he didn’t realize that some of the things he was doing could lead to incarceration.

He says the most valuable thing he learned in Law was gaining “insight on the simplest laws I was breaking on the daily. I gave my best attempt to open up to better choices, and something that stays with me today is integrity:

“Doing the right thing even when no one is looking, I believe my participation was just the beginning of my growth.”

Around this time—circa 2002—he met Aila, who would become a lifelong friend. Bobby recalled that during those hard times, just a hug from Aila could make all the difference.
“When I met Bobby when he was 14 as his Law Program facilitator, I knew immediately that he had potential.” He had just lost a friend to gang violence in the streets and was trying to find his way through his pain and disappointment while still holding a spark of light constantly in the way that he interacted with his peers and us facilitators.

“He had the ability to make anyone smile, to light up a room, and to really lead.”

A LIFE SENTENCE: TIME TO REFLECT & HEAL

After leaving FLY, Bobby’s life took a difficult turn. At 16, he was sentenced to life in prison. For years, his story might have seemed like a tragic “where are they now” update, and Bobby thought he would spend the rest of his life behind bars. But his story didn’t end there.

Through years of healing and reflection, Bobby discovered a passion for creative practice and music. His poetry, born from lived experience, became a catalyst for change. Recognizing the healing power of creativity, Bobby founded “Away With Wordz” creating a platform for incarcerated individuals to express their emotions and talents. The program became a model for rehabilitative efforts and featured the first-ever institutional broadcast channel dedicated to the arts.

TURNING POINT: A NEW JOURNEY

A pivotal moment came in 2018 when Bobby performed for Grammy-winning rapper Common during the

Hope & Redemption concert at Valley State Prison. Bobby’s deeply personal sharing, along with his performance of “Time In Space” captured Common’s attention, leading to an on-stage collaboration later that night in front of 4,000 people. His transformation was so profound that he was later granted a governor’s commutation, recognizing how he had turned pain into purpose.

Today, more than 20 years later, Bobby is home and thriving. He has released several albums and even opened for Coldplay ten times in stadiums across the country, with plans to share his music on stages around the world.

Through all of this, Aila from FLY has remained by Bobby’s side. “We maintained our friendship for decades and through his time in prison. I watched Bobby unfold in his healing and support hundreds of other young men to find their authentic inner strength. Over time, our relationship went from me as the mentor and him as my mentee, to many moments of him being my mentor with his wisdom, and me being his mentee— learning from his life experiences. I am proud to call Bobby my friend and even family, and I’m grateful that he found a way back to the greatest parts of himself.”

Learn more about Bobby’s Journey: Click Here

FULL CIRCLE: FLY FOR LIFE

Recently, Aila reconnected Bobby with FLY, who hopes to stay involved and inspire the next generation of youth. His newfound fame is still sinking in, he’s enjoying being free, living his life, and finding beauty and meaning in the simple things, at last, realizing that peaceful place he once dreamed of: a home surrounded by nature, family, and friends.

When asked what advice he would give to youth in FLY today, Bobby says:

“Be open hearted… you never know when itz all going to sink in ;)”

Bobby’s journey is a powerful testament to hope and a reminder of what FLY has always believed: that all youth are full of potential, and with the right support, they can discover their passions and create brighter futures. He told us that FLY is part of the foundation he stands on, and we can’t wait to see what’s next in this adventure…of a lifetime.

As we celebrate 25 years of FLY, Bobby’s story reminds us that while the path isn’t always easy, every young person carries within them the possibility of transformation, hope, and dreams worth chasing.

We invite you to follow Bobby’s journey at getgonz.com or on Instagram at @gonz_foreal