Gang Culture

Here’s an enhanced version of your report on gang culture and “protecting the hood”—now with detailed Chicago and California examples, organizations, leaders, and credible sources:

🏙️ Chicago

Key Organizations & Programs

BUILD Chicago

Provides free gang-intervention services on Chicago’s West Side since 1969, including mental health, career coaching, art/music programs, and neighborhood protection efforts. buildchicago.org (https://www.buildchicago.org, buildchicago.org (https://www.buildchicago.org/former-gang-member-discusses-why-young-people-turn-to-gangs/)

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago (INVC)

Led by Marcus “Moon” Mitchell, a former gang member, INVC focuses on direct outreach, job training, and counseling. chicago.suntimes.com (https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/3/23915163/west-garfield-park-chicago-former-gang-member-institute-for-nonviolence)

Chicago Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Network

Over two dozen organizations operating in high-violence areas, using dispute mediation, non-aggression pacts, and public safety strategies. chicagocred.org https://www.chicagocred.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-CVI-Report.pdf)

Chicago CPD Violence Reduction Strategy (VRS)

Includes “Custom Notifications”—in-person interventions coordinated by CPD, John Jay College, and community partners. chicagopolice.org (https://www.chicagopolice.org/violence-reduction-strategy-vrs/)

Chicago Recovery Plan: Home and Business Protection Program

Post-shooting support through lighting, cameras, clean-ups, and trauma-informed outreach in 15+ neighborhoods. chirecoveryplan.com (https://chirecoveryplan.com/priority-areas/violence-prevention

Leaders & People Involved

Tio Hardiman** – Founder of *Violence Interrupters Chicago, a former gang member turned peacebuilder. violencein...upters.org (https://www.violenceinterrupters.org/forging-pathways-to-peace-and-healing

LaTanya Ward (aka FO)– Co-founder of GUTT Healing Circle, organizing healing programs in South LA. violencein...upters.org (https://www.violenceinterrupters.org/forging-pathways-to-peace-and-healing

Mario “Carlos” Vega – Former gang member turned navigator at BUILD. buildchicago.org https://www.buildchicago.org/former-gang-member-discusses-why-young-people-turn-to-gangs

Cecilia Mannion– Survivor outreach coordinator and former gang-affiliated peace worker. wbez.org(https://www.wbez.org/2023/01/26/the-rundown-former-gang-members-trying-to-stop-crime

Community Events

No Crime Weekend” (Pullman, Bronzeville, Englewood) – A peace march hosted by P.O.W\.E.R. and St. Titus One Youth led by Allen Mickle and **Pastor Michael Jones. nbcchicago.com(https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/we-want-to-save-lives-faith-leaders-and-community-groups-call-for-no-crime-weekend/3803776

🌴 California

Truces & Treaties

1992 Watts Gang Treaty– A cease-fire signed by Watts gang leaders and activists like Aqeela Sherrills, halving shootings and pioneering grassroots conflict resolution. journals.l...arvard.edu(https://journals.law.harvard.edu/crcl/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2022/09/WattsGangTreaty.pdf

Prevention Programs

California AG’s “Gangs: A Community Response” guide (2003) provides statewide prevention and intervention frameworks. ojp.gov(https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/gangs-community-response-0

2007 Los Angeles Gang Reduction Strategy, drafted under Mayor Villaraigosa and Councilman Tony Cardenas, emphasizes prevention, intervention, and education—as well as supply-side policing. file.lacounty.gov https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/32068.pdf)

LA Peacemakers Initiative (2024–present) – A network of 18 groups aiming to reduce gang violence; reported a 45% drop in gang homicides in 2024. nbclosangeles.com(https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/la-gang-violence-prevention-groups-concerned-over-future-of-federal-funds/3657665/

Notable Individuals

Luis Rodriguez – Former LA gang member turned author, featured in “The End of the Line…” endorsing peace-based community responses. jstor.org\ https://www.jstor.org/stable/29768318

Aqeela & Daude Sherrills** – Grassroots leaders negotiating the original Watts Treaty. journals.l...arvard.edu(https://journals.law.harvard.edu/crcl/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2022/09/WattsGangTreaty.pdf

LaTanya Ward – South LA activist behind GUTT Healing Circle, collaborating with gangs for trauma-informed peace. violencein...upters.org https://www.violenceinterrupters.org/forging-pathways-to-peace-and-healing

Introduction

Gang culture has historically been tied to survival, identity, and protection in marginalized communities.

While often associated with violence, many gangs originally formed as grassroots networks to defend

neighborhoods from external threats and systemic neglect. The phrase 'protecting the hood' reflects

this sense of loyalty and territorial responsibility.

Why Gangs Form

• Lack of resources

• Need for identity and protection

• Systemic neglect

Chicago Grassroots Leaders

• Tio Hardiman – Founder of Violence Interrupters Chicago

• Marcus 'Moon' Mitchell – Institute for Nonviolence Chicago

• Allen Mickle & Pastor Michael Jones – No Crime Weekend

• Cecilia Mannion – Trauma Outreach

California Grassroots Leaders

• Aqeela & Daude Sherrills – Watts Gang Truce

• Luis Rodriguez – Author & Activist

• LaTanya Ward – GUTT Healing Circle

Organizations

• Chicago: BUILD, CVI Network, CPD VRS

• California: LA Peacemakers, CA DOJ Gang Prevention

Turning Protection into Empowerment

• Violence interruption

• Economic development

• Cultural pride

Top 25 Small Business Ideas for Youth

• E-commerce Store (Shopify, Etsy)

• Social Media Management

• Graphic Design Services

• Content Creation (YouTube/TikTok)

• Podcasting

• Mobile Car Wash

• Lawn Care & Landscaping

• Home Cleaning Services

• Personal Fitness Training

• Meal Prep & Healthy Snacks

• Clothing Brand (Streetwear)

• Custom Sneakers & Apparel

• Digital Marketing Agency

• Photography & Videography

• Music Production & Beats

• Tutoring Services

• Gaming & Streaming

• App Development

• Web Design

• Handmade Crafts & Jewelry

• Pet Care Services

• Hair Braiding & Grooming

• Event Planning

• Reselling Sneakers & Collectibles

• Organic Products Business

Resources & Links

• BUILD Chicago: https://www.buildchicago.org

• Institute for Nonviolence Chicago: https://invcchicago.org

• NBC LA Peacemakers: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news

• California DOJ Gang Guide:

https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/gangs-community-response-0