“Vivid, urgent, original, Randy Jurado Ertll’s story compels us to grapple with some of the most urgent issues of our times.”
— Matt Rothschild, Editor of The Progressive Magazine

“A heart-felt and heart-warming story .while it is one man’s story, it is also the story of so many who build new lives with perseverance, determination, and compassion.”
— Henrik Rehbinder, Editorial Page Editor of La Opinion

“This is a story that young people everywhere should read as it demonstrates how much every one of them could contribute to a better future for themselves and their communities.”
—Margaret E. Crahan, Director, Kozmetsky Center, Distinguished Professor at St. Edward’s University.

“The book speaks to a hope for a different world and finds even in the most dispiriting of experiences the seeds of change and social justice. This should be required reading.”
—Warren Montag, chair of the English and Comparative Literary Studies Department at Occidental College.

“An inspiration and testament to the power of an individual to overcome obstacles and make a difference.”
—Rampa R. Hormel, environmentalist and President of Enlyst Fund.

Hope in Times of Darkness sends a message that we can be agents of positive change, and that minority youth in impoverished areas can succeed in life and become productive citizens of our society.

The author, a Salvadoran American, lived in El Salvador as a child but grew up in South Central Los Angeles during the late 1970s and 1980s. He also lived in Rochester, Minnesota; Washington, D.C.; and Alexandria, Virginia. In each of these cities, he observed the dynamics and challenges of the Salvadoran community.

As he has both lived and transcended these struggles himself, he is able to depict a realistic and compassionate picture of the Salvadoran American/Latino experience throughout this book. The author focuses on social justice issues and contends that government, community-based organizations, elected officials, and community leaders can help create hope and opportunities for our youth, and thereby help improve our society.