I grew up in South Los Angeles with my mom and younger sister after my dad went to prison when I was young. My mom worked long hours, so I spent a lot of time outside in the neighborhood. Money was always tight, and growing up around crime made me mature fast.
I tried to stay out of trouble, but where I lived made that hard. After getting jumped walking home, older Bloods from my area started looking out for me. It gave me protection and a sense of belonging, and eventually I got involved at a young age.
The street life wasn’t exciting like people think. It came with stress, loss, and seeing friends get locked up or killed. Those experiences changed how I move and think.
Now that I’m eighteen, I’m focused on staying alive, protecting my family, and trying to make better choices while dealing with the life I grew up in.
I tried to stay out of trouble, but where I lived made that hard. After getting jumped walking home, older Bloods from my area started looking out for me. It gave me protection and a sense of belonging, and eventually I got involved at a young age.
The street life wasn’t exciting like people think. It came with stress, loss, and seeing friends get locked up or killed. Those experiences changed how I move and think.
Now that I’m eighteen, I’m focused on staying alive, protecting my family, and trying to make better choices while dealing with the life I grew up in.
