Lukee Forbes was born in Brooklyn to Luken Forbes, an undocumented Panamanian, and Tashanna McLeod, who struggled with AIDS and cancer. His early years were marked by significant challenges. The loss of both parents prior to his release from a seven-year period of incarceration, starting at age 15, profoundly impacted his path towards social justice and advocacy.
Lukee’s commitment to change extended well beyond founding “We Are Revolutionary” in Albany, New York, at the age of 29. His experience includes being campaign coordinator for the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition and a community organizer for Vocal-NY, a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to ending mass incarceration, AIDS, homelessness, overdoses, and the war on drugs. Before this position, he was the Administrator Assistant for the City of Albany’s Summer Youth Employment Program and the Office Manager for the City of Albany’s Youth Opportunity Office. On top of that, he worked as a Community Organizer for United Tenants of Albany, advocating for housing rights.
He’s an Ambassador for the FHI 360 Compass Rose Re-entry Program, a Member of the Young adult leadership council, and The New Deal For Youth Cohort. He also volunteered for several non-profit organizations in the Capital Region geared towards youth development and support. These include but are not limited to SNUG, Mission Accomplished, Citizen Action, Tru Heart, Tinker & Fiddler, AlbanyCanCode, and Young Futures.
Lukee’s journey is a powerful testament to the potential of turning personal adversity into a force for societal good. As he continues his work as the Executive Director of “We Are Revolutionary,” his story serves as an inspiration, showcasing the immense impact of resilience and unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
