Dying to fit in....

I attended the GANG symposium yesterday. I learn some valuable information about gangs and how its affecting our youth. We have over 700 gang members in the City of Portsmouth. I was not shocked. When I attend the memorial day parade, the I.C. NORCOM band was shattered. I could actually count the band members. That is not like it use to be. Norcom is known for the "Marching 100". When I was in school being in the band was "in". That's what made school fun, the bands and football games. Where are all the youth now??? Dying to fit in. Dying or getting their life taking away because they want to be cool. Throwing up gangs signs because they see everyone else is doing it. Do you really know what it means? Are you really prepared to die? Are you prepared to do 10-20 years? I was wondering because that's the time that they are giving defendants for senseless and violent crimes.

Be your own person. Be yourself. Do what you like to do. My father always told me, "be a leader, not a follower. That has always stuck with me. Ten years from now it's not going to matter what clothes you wore, who you hang out with school, and if you are popular or not. The only thing that will matter is if you are still here and able to talk about it.

I don't know about you, but I plan to take my community back. I don't know how, but it's in the making. Be looking out for the LYF Foundation.

LNP