For many African American & Latina/o youth who are raised in communities of systemic brokenness (poverty, violence, etc) gang affiliation is a natural way of life. For many, there are no alternative options. There are nuances to be considered. (1/5)
For some, it's about finally receiving positive affirmation from a male figure of the same ethnicity. (3/5)
For all, it's a way to cope with the deep saturation of hopelessness that reigns in our communities. They are layers of pain that systemically bombard us, non-stop. (4/5)