Gang violence

Have you ever heard of O’block?

It’s a street in Chicago where there’s people getting shot and dying a lot, according to the Chicago Sun Times.  They’ve said, “The most dangerous block in Chicago isn’t in Englewood or on the West Side. . It’s a stretch of South King Drive where a young Michelle Obama once lived.”

It literally got its name because someone got shot and died there. His name was Odee Perry and after he was gunned down people started to call the street O’block. The Sun Times said, “Mothers hurry past, holding tight to little hands as they shuttle between the neighborhood school and the safety of their apartments. Security cameras posted nearly everywhere here see it all.” This shows how its so dangerous. 

Another reason why O’block is famous was because of King Von, who was a very inspirational rapper who was killed and his murder still remains unsolved. A quote from him was that there “Ain’t no point in stopping or slowing down” which he said and actually did, making well over two million dollars.  He was only famous for about two years before his tragic death on November 6, 2020.  

Another very tragic death was the one of Quincy Coleman, who was shot by a gang member for reasons too messed up to go into. Quincy was only 15 years old, barely starting his life, when he was shot. Gangs are a very serious thing since they only have like three options: if they want to get out they either leave and run in hiding, they get shot up and die, or they get arrested. The life of gangsters is tough they either joined for money, protection, were born into it, or joined because they had no other choice.

Chicago isn’t the only place with gangs according to the LA Times and Tarrant Cares. “In California, street gang membership has reached approximately 300,000, with about 6,100 different gangs.” LA is also known for being filled with gangs and violence. Some examples of its gangs include the following: Bloods, Crips, 38th Street Gang, Asian Boyz, Mexican Mafia and more, all around the city. Its nickname in 1930 was “Gang Capital.” Did you know LA has over 400 separate gangs and that’s just LA County, so just imagine how many the USA has in total.

You can avoid that life though, so please focus on your studies so you don’t end up like those people. Your parents and teachers tell you this but just listen to them. You only have about a couple years before you’re a full adult and have to make your own choices, so just learn what you can and make the most of it and learn so you can get out of the trenches and not end up homeless or in a tight spot.