NCJ Number
171735
Journal
Free Inquiry in Creative Sociology Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: May 1997 Pages: 51-58
Date Published
1997
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Information collected from observations, questionnaire data, fieldwork in metropolitan Kansas City during 4 months of 1996, and a literature review was used to study whether youth gangs are responsible for the plight of black males, the role of black leadership in the Kansas City gang movement, and changing values of these gangs.
Abstract
The research also sought to determine the attitudes of black professionals about black street gangs in the Kansas City area. Results indicated that gangs alone are not responsible for the violence in Kansas City. Other causes include drug abuse, dysfunctional families, values, lifestyles, a sense of personal responsibility, and greed. It is also important to understand that African-American gang leadership is partly a search for alternative leadership. The apparent lack of equal opportunities for all people has also been a major consideration for many black gang leaders. Nevertheless, their leadership has had a major negative impact on society, has differed significantly from traditional black leadership in the context of society, and has sensitized the country to the needs of its youth. An organization called Break and Build is providing a foundation for new direction for street gang members in Kansas City. Its members are former gang members. Its purpose is to provide viable alternatives for the transformation and redirection of its staff, members, and clients by developing nontraditional leadership to improve the quality of life of youth in the area. However, many black professionals have strongly negative attitudes toward street gangs. The new direction of street gangs in Kansas City needs their encouragement and support. Figures and 34 references