Listen, I’m an older Lady now. Born back in 1958. I have 4-biological grandchildren and another three who “adopted me” as their G-Mom. I’m honored.
The only reason I mention my age is to share that I’ve been around for quite a while. I remember the days of a movement called “Gangs No More in “74.” That was a slogan coined by Falaka and David Fattah, Co-Founders of the House of Umoja based on the 1400 block of N. Frazier Street in West Philadelphia. As I recall, the main thrust of the Gangs No More in “74” effort was to get gang members and gang leaders from various gangs in the city to come together, sit down in the same room and talk things out.
To try to explain it now and how Falaka and David Fattah did what they did in the 70s makes too light of their success. I know folk were thinking back in 1974, how the heck you gonna put gang members that regularly fight each other, from opposing gangs, together in a room, and expect them to make peace? Well, somehow Falaka and David Fattah did it. Ultimately, some of the warring gang members ended up all living together at the House of Umoja. The Fattahs were really able to successfully turn some of those young men’s lives around back then.
That was then. This is now, and I’m just wondering are there any more people out here like a Falaka and David Fattah who have the heart, the spirit, and willingness to stand in the middle of a group of angry young people and settle them down? I give honor, praise, and credit to any and all community leaders and activists, particularly those who are working with our youth, trying to give them alternatives and positive things to get involved with. I applaud you. We need more of you.
I wonder if some of the long-retired former gang members, such as members of the Tender Lions out of North Philadelphia could make any headway with trying to dissuade the gang members of today, to stop that nonsense and all the crime and killing they are alleged to be doing. The remaining members of the former Tender Lions gang, now largely in their mid 60s and older, get together annually for an end-of-summer cookout and socializing. Sure would be awesome if these gentlemen could come up with a plan to talk some sense into these young bucks out here today, causing havoc.
**********
Thank you for reading Thera Martin’s article on scoopnewsusa.com. For more on “I beg to ask the question, as youth head back to school do we have a gang problem in Philadelphia”, please subscribe to SCOOP USA Media. Print subscriptions are $75 and online subscriptions (Print, Digital, and VIZION) are $90. (52 weeks / 1 year).
