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Review Of From Streets To Power: Chicago's Gangs

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CHICAGO TRIBUNE - From Streets to Power: Chicago's Gangs. By: Mia Arroyo. In the bustling streets of Chicago, gangs are both feared and deeply ingrained in society. Yet, amidst the headlines of violent crimes associated with gang activity, there lies a deeper narrative of societal neglect. Generations of systemic issues have created an environment where gangs thrive. Before Malcolm X became one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders and Black activists, he was part of that world that often remains relatively untouched in discussions of his story and legacy: the realm of street gangs. This surprising detail of his past can offer a unique perspective of the harsh realities faced by the marginalized that perpetuate cycles of violence and …show more content…

Gangs in Chicago, such as the Conservative Vice Lords as mentioned by Andrew Diamond in the article, From Fighting Gangs to Black Nations: Race, Power, and the Other Civil Rights Movement in Chicago's West Side Ghetto 1957-1968, proclaimed themselves as “nations” rather than gangs as they worked towards empowerment among marginalized youth. These gangs sought to address the root causes of poverty, discrimination, and injustice in their areas by obtaining grants, forming alliances with nearby civil rights organizations, and participating in demonstrations against racial injustices. Through this, they were able to implement community development programs aimed at community uplifting. However, their journey towards community empowerment was not the only reason for their formation. Unfortunately, they faced constant violence and intimidation from both law enforcement and white gangs. This unfortunate reality placed them in a position where they felt the need to protect themselves through extreme self-defense measures. In this context, gangs emerged in the West Side ghettos as a result of Chicago's failure to accurately address the social and economic inequalities plaguing the

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