I don’t like the way people cherish the ghetto, as if it’s some royal palace, or kingdom. I also don’t like the way people treat each other in the ghetto. It is really hard to...

In East Orange, initiations were completed by murdering someone, for no other reason than to prove to a tremendously cold, tremendously tight brotherhood that you possessed the hardness required to watch their backs.

A team is where a boy can prove his courage on his own. A gang is where a coward goes to hide.

We’re this big melting pot, but someone turned up the heat too high, and the stew started to burn. Gangs, crime, fights, and fear are now a regular part of our local stew.

Why weren’t there any women in Jesus’ gang?’ asked Winnifred. ‘Jesus’ gang?’ echoed the vicar surprised. ‘Jesus never had a gang. Ah— you mean the Twelve.’ Winnifred nodded. The vicar looked perplexed. ‘Well, it wouldn’t...

But Alonso kept smiling that smile and nothing made any sense with that smile looking you in the face. ‘Jim, don’t tell me that, you know, brother-shit. I have been through it all. Take, you...

Tony’s concern disintegrated. He could not understand C.J.’s determination to court death on a daily basis. Or maybe he did understand, and this was what caused his frustration. So many found the same solution his...