Hailing from South East Los Angeles, Walter Ray Finnie represents the Watts district. Facing tremendous adversities, such as parents who have battled with drugs and the jail systems of the state and county, as well as thriving in an environment of heavy gang culture and extreme poverty—he is no stranger to the struggle. As Walter would say, he made lemonade from his lemons, and triumphed through every obstacle he faced, to create a new found legacy to follow his name. Walter has not only become a father but a world renowned poet, placing him and his team third in the world at international poetry slam Brave New Voices in 2014. In 2015, he performed poetry at Obama’s White House, and spoke alongside Tim Robbins, Lauren Morreli, and Sabra Williams on a panel for prison reform and re-entry. He became a published author in 2016. In 2017, he was booked to be a member of the writing team for the hit Netflix original show "On My Block." In the off season, he starred as the leading role in the theater production of “Dante” produced by Tim Robbins at the Actors Gang Theater. In 2018, he booked his first major acting role in Season 2 of "On My Block”. He is featured as a writer and actor in Summertime, and completed the recording of his first studio album in 2020, slated to be released in 2021 alongside the movie. 

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@walterfinnie