There Are Solutions To The Gang Problem

Sat., July 13, 1996

Elana Ashanti Jefferson For The

These days, even good kids can’t escape gangs.

Blossoming leaders at the Spokane Police Department’s Leadership Education and Development summer workshop say gang-related violence is one of the greatest problems facing young people. These teens are not criminals needing reform. They’re involved in their schools and neighborhoods. They care about the environment. They come from supportive families. They’re athletic and scholarly.

Peer pressure, drug and alcohol abuse and teen pregnancy are all pressing issues. However, the most common theme is alarm over the prevalence of violence and gangs.

Gone are the days when gangs were a big-city problem. Now, gun-toting crews flashing signs and demanding respect transcend social, economic and geographic boundaries. Even police in small towns like Cheney educate residents about graffiti and other signs of gang activity.

Gang culture is mainstream. Through fashion, music, movies and television, few American youngsters are uninfluenced by gangster hype. And during these summer months, bored, impressionable kids can slip quickly into trouble. But there are solutions.

Parents, stay closely involved with the young adults in your life. Know where they are, what they’re doing and who they’re with. Kids are safe when they have self-worth. They have self-worth when they know someone cares. If your kids are looking for something to do, both the East and West Central Community Centers offer evening basketball programs. Spokane’s Community Oriented Police Substations also offer evening programs. School districts and the YMCA provide summer classes. Parents of high-risk kids might consider Wise Talk, a straightforward presentation where criminal offenders talk about the harsh realities of prison life. For more information about this and other COPS activities, call Marilyn Rice at 625-3300.

Young people, be straight with your friends. Tell them that hanging out with gang-bangers is stupid. You can’t be in a gang and not be a criminal. You’ll get no respect in front of a judge or in jail. While former gangsters helped rap music gain well-deserved attention, if you only listen to gangster rap, you ignore a whole group of innovative hip-hop artists with much more positive things to say.

Socioeconomic strife allowed gangs a foothold in American culture. The reflections of young leaders remind us that this is an important issue for us all.

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