Black leadership in gang movements: Toward new directions

Abstract

Researchers, professionals, and public officials have been struggling to explain the recent increase in black youth violence in the United States. The current plight of African American males is believed to be associated with street gang activities. There is a widespread belief that black people, and particularly young black inner city males, are far more prone to violence than white people. The current status of black men and boys reveals alarming data which has often been viewed as gang-related: