Let me begin by expressing condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the recent tragic event. We pray not only for the victims, but also for the perpetrators who are victims themselves of a cycle of violence that has invaded our culture. We also pray for our country, for peace on our streets and in our homes and communities. For those who may be unaware, six young men were gunned down in broad daylight losing their lives, and two others – a two-year-old toddler and a female – were shot and critically wounded.
Many in the nation expressed surprise and shock that this could happen. I was not one of those who was surprised although it was somewhat shocking how it unfolded. What we saw was not an isolated or senseless act, and it did not happen in a vacuum. To understand what I’m referring to, it is important that I share an historical perspective for those who may be unaware to understand. This activity is not new – even though the ferocity and carnage are unfamiliar to most. This is a part of what is sometimes referred to as “the game”. The game is what we refer to as the street game – the gang life – the drug life. The game has been around for years; it’s the same game even though the faces change and the methodologies change.
I grew up in the game and understand the game. Back in those days, various communities had members or blocks that sold drugs and engaged in various activities. If you were part of the game, you knew the rules. You could never allow someone to take your drugs or come into your territory, otherwise it’s game over for you. You lose respect. You were treated as a pariah, so you had to respond. In those days, if someone took your drugs, you would get some of your guys together and hunt down the offenders and beat them with baseball bats, cutlasses, rocks, bottles, etc. I personally witnessed some of these things as a young man, hanging out on Warren Street (in those days known as the “University of Warren Street”), McQuay Street, off Nassau Street (“Harlem”) and other areas like Bain Town and even Kemp Road, where the recent shooting took place. I saw the game in action.
Fast forward a few years – things began to escalate from baseball bats and cutlasses to guns. Guns were used sparingly but there were guns. I was there when guys were cleaning their guns and witnessed some things. I was shot at before and chased with a shotgun, so I know the game. Fast forward again when guns began to be more frequently used – if someone shot your friend or affiliate, the game was the same – retaliate or lose respect and lose reputation. Fast forward beyond the .38 and .44 and the game changed to MAC-10, AK-47s and AR-15 and that’s where we are today. If your enemies have AKs and you don’t, you lose. So, if you are in the game, you know the rules.
The problem we have today is that the game is a growing part of our culture. Imported in some ways from the United States’ (US) gang and hip-hop culture, we have adopted the codes of the US gangs and mimic what’s happening there. Add social media – and the images are everywhere. Too many local young men are a part of this, and the culture has been growing. All you have to do is talk to young men and you can see and hear it. The game is here, and we are witnessing the results.
I guess your next question is what can we do about it and how can things change? I wish I had an easy answer for you, but the truth is there is no one organization or group that can wave the magic wand and things change. If it is to be effective, it has to be collective. It really begins on the individual level and from there to the family level, then the community, schools, churches, sporting and cultural organizations, policing and courts, political parties and the list goes on. The gang members come from families and communities, so if there is a problem with family, it shows up in the community. The mixture begins with families and ends with drugs and gangs, but I will share some quick stories for understanding’s sake. For years, I worked on the streets with gang members and so many stories were similar – mother on crack, don’t know who the daddy is, parents left them on their own and so the streets become the primary option and primary family.
If we want to change, it begins in the mirror. What are you and I doing to make it better or worse? That is where the question has to begin. Remember, if it’s not collective, it will not be effective. The only way to change, is to be better individuals. Better individuals will create better families and communities. Everyone has to be involved. The churches, schools and communities have to have programs and outlets that are positive that are run by positive role models, otherwise we are wasting our time because they will not be what they cannot see.
I know it can work because I have seen it work. But are there enough people who are willing to work or support those who work?
My life was changed by the gospel – a friend of mine who was a Christian basketball player and role model impacted my life and led me down a new path while I was in college. I returned home and went on the streets as an individual, went into schools and asked the principals and guidance counsellors to give me the gang members. I worked with them for years on a one-on-one basis and saw lives changed. Today, some of these same young men are like me, they are husbands, fathers, businessmen, pastors and leaders in our country. They were just like the ones who are left in the game today, but change happened.
As a country, we must do more than cry out against violence. We must enter the arena or support those in the arena. It’s not an easy fight. I have lost much more than I have helped to save. Some of the young men I worked with ended up being notorious hitmen, many are dead and many in jail. But then there are those who have made it and are now reaching back to help young men like they were. Orlando “Landlord” Miller and I collaborated on the “Second Chance” program, which weekly saw at times over 100 young people fed and mentored. Some of these young men are now out of the game.
We will not save all, and it is unlikely the culture will change unless we engage and take personal responsibility for making a difference. The question I have for you is what lessons will you take from the Jerome Avenue tragedy? Waiting on your answer please. If you want to help, contact me for information.
• Pastor Dave Burrows is senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Feel free to email comments, whether you agree or disagree, to pastordaveburrows@hotmail.com. I appreciate your input and dialogue. We become better when we discuss, examine and exchange.
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