Choosing a Better Path: My Journey Away from Gangs
L ife has a way of presenting choices that can define your future. For a long time, I found myself caught up in a world that promised safety through dangerous alliances — the gangs. I thought I was protecting myself by joining groups like the Crips and Gangster Disciples . However, as time passed, it became clear to me that these gangs did not care about my life; they cared about control, power, and maintaining an image. Today, I stand as a non-active member of these gangs, determined to break free from the cycle of violence and despair they represent. I’ve taken a hard look in the mirror and realized that the only person truly responsible for my life is me. The need for protection from gangs only led to more danger — a narrative I refuse to accept any longer. Leaving behind the lifestyle I once embraced wasn’t easy. It came with a significant emotional toll and, at times, an overwhelming sense of fear. The idea of stepping away from a community that, despite its toxicity, provid...
