PLATFORM : Resisting the Gang

Gang members live right down the street from my house. I grew up with some of them. Basically I was able to stay out because I have the support of my family, and the gangbangers finally accepted that I’m not involved with them.

After about two years, they realized that I wasn’t going their way. They began to encourage me to go on with my studies. A lot of people find that hard to believe, but they started saying, “You should keep studying man, because once you get in here, it’s too hard to get out.”

I played on Dorsey’s football team. I think that’s why they encouraged me. A few of them still don’t like me, but there are one or two who will tell them, “He’s into his studies. . . . Let him go on.” It’s been hard because there are always temptations. You see all the guys with cars and money and gold chains. But my brothers always told me that I am one who is going to have to work for what I get. I hope my payoff will come one day.