Book Reading #3: Gang Leader for a Day

Gang Leader for a Day:

Overall, the book Gang Leader for a Day revolves around Sudhir, who is a graduate student at the University of Chicago. He befriends JT, a Black King gang leader, in one of the Chicago projects. JT takes Sudhir in under his arm and gives me access to many of the Black King members and operations, which include illegal drug trafficking and prostitution. However, over the course of several years, Sudhir becomes close with JT, some his senior members, and other non-gang affiliated community members of the Robert Taylor homes. Throughout the course of the book, Sudhir learns a significant amount about life in poverty as well as how a gang operates from daily activities to financing.

As Sudhir details his journey through the internal web of the Black Kings, a few striking things grabbed my attention and interest. Considering my background resembles the complete opposite of life in the projects, the book help me gain some new insight while educating me along the way as well. First, the persistence with which Sudhir portrays as he is meeting with JT for the first times is astonishing. I was amazed by his determination and fearlessness, although he may have been naive as well. Nevertheless, when Sudhir first became involved with the gang, a dual perspective occurred through Sudhir's eyes. Although he was befriending gang members, he also had to be aware of the BK's operations of dealing with rebels, such as C-Note.

As Sudhir's story progresses, he slow accustoms his self to the gang. By allowing himself to meet other gang members instead of JT, he can continue is ethnography with less biased writing. One of the underlying themes that Sudhir comes across is the idea that the BKs try to do anything within their power to keep their junior members off the street and away from causing problems. Thus, although the BKs participate in a plethora of illegal activity, it is mainly to survive. Their intentions are good deep down. For instance, they sign up their junior members for Pride, which promotes good behavior, and even force them to acquire voter registration. Therefore, we see that many wrong doings are associated with a poor life, and when it comes to survival, we are all hustlers.

Finally, as Sudhir branches outside of the gang to meet other people. For instance, he eats quite a bit with JT's mom, Ms. Mae and even networks to meet with Ms.Bailey and Autry, who run non-gang related organizations. This allows Sudhir to see even further into the difficulties residing within the projects. Both of whom consistently have to deal with the misfortunes of being in the ghetto, even they try to bring good to their community. For instance, Autry runs a club devoted to educating and watching over young children. At the same time, Autry is responsible for settling a dispute between JT and a Mayne, a rival gang leader. On the other hand, the relationship between Sudhir and Ms. Bailey takes a while for trust to form. However, Ms.Bailey forms a center piece of Sudhir's life and his writing. Ms. Bailey essentially leads the building of Robert Taylor A in accordance with the CHA, but she also has significant amounts of power, even which JT fears at times.

Ms. Bailey acts as Sudhir's contact with life in the projects away from the gang. She drastically educates Sudhir on the inner workings of Robert Taylor. One of her main messages is the fact that the women must stick together and she manages to help out women anytime they are in desperate need. The unity among women living within the projects is pervasive and ranges from sharing utilities to babysitting each other's children. Sudhir continues to learn that everyone in the projects is a hustler in some form or fashion. Even Sudhir is a hustler from accumulating knowledge for his research. This shows the hardships of the project life if people are willing not only consider what is best for themselves and not keep the well-being of others in their mind.

Chapter 1 How Does it Feel to be Black and Poor?:

The story begins from a first person perspective of Sudhir Venkatesh and his early career as a graduate student at the University of Chicago. He studies psychology within the University and resides within Hyde Park, which is a white district. Although, Sudhir is accustomed to living with whites because he was originally from south California and can speak Spanish as well. In the beginning, he learns of the Chicago segmentation problem of whites and blacks by talking with Old Time (distinguished professor), who uses the description of a city within a city.

However, Sudhir takes a journey to the Lake Park projects where he encounters the Black Kings gang, notorious for dealing crack cocaine. The gang interrogates Sudhir due to the fact that they think he is Julio, from the Mexican gang on the east side. Eventually, Sudhir meets J.T., the faction leader of the gang whom we find out was a college student at one point. Sudhir asks "how does it feel to be black and poor" as part of his questionnaire. J.T. quickly dismisses this interview and suggests that Sudhir spend time with the gang to fully understand them. Sudhir returns next week with beer as he slowly becomes better friends with the Black Kings.

Personally, I feel that Sudhir did an excellent job of introducing the essence of the book. His vivid description helped unveil how out of place Sudhir was within the projects. I felt compelled to keep reading because I was curious to know how Sudhir and the Black Kings would interact with one another. Also, this book is developing into a perfect example of ethnography in which Sudhir learns about the poor black community with first hand experience. It will be interesting to see how Sudhir continues his relations with the gang considering each comes from a completely different background.

Chapter 2 First Days on Federal Street:

 In the beginning of the chapter, we find out that JT was an athlete and enjoyed reading about history and politics  Prior to running a gang, he sold office supplies as a full time job. For instance, he asked Sudhir a business question in which one takes a discount now or reaps larger rewards at a later time. The answer was always take the immediate satisfaction. This was a key insight into the gang world. It demonstrated the flaw of poverty citizens to always accept immediate gratification and never to delay gratification. This has huge detrimental implications in terms of creating a ceiling on the accomplishments of any person who begins life in poverty.

The chapter then delves into some of the activities of the gang, from JT's perspective. First, a major crisis within the gang world is the relocation of the Black Kings (BKs) to the Robert Taylor homes. This move incurs a gang merger among JT and Curly, who operates another section of the BK faction. Later, Sudhir discovers that the BKs run their organization through a hierarchical chain consisting of Captains above JT and a Board of Directors above the Captains. Also, JT leads an ample amount of subordinates ranging from junior (high school ) to senior level members. Among them is Creepy, whom JT asks for important favors.

As Sudhir learns more about the gang, he uncovers that each building acts as a community with events such as basketball tournaments and galleries, involving barbecues. He meets JT's mom, Ms. Mae, who consistently cooks for Sudhir and treats him like family. A part of the family is Clarrise, who is a prostitute and JT's cousin. As we learn about JT's business of managing prostitution, drugs, rent, and other activites, it becomes clear that the squatters, who take shelter in the stairwells under JTs roof for a tax, must fit into the gang community. The squatters are managed by C-Note, who has been there for two decades. At the end of the chapter, JT beats up C-Note to make a point about leadership. From that inflection point, Sudhir realizes the true manner in which gangs operate.

Chapter 3 Someone to Watch Over Me:

The chapter beings with JT sending one of his senior members, Price, to beat up Brass who is a rebellious squatter. Price is head of security of the Bk faction. As Sudhir spends time with the BKs, JT explains to him the issue that the board of directors must face by worrying about issues concerning storing their money. We also learn that JTs faction is one of 200 BK gangs. This includes the BKs being a regional gang with expansion into Iowa. They even talk about the drug market as a business would.

Sudhir continues to develop relationships within the gang. He learns that Lenny Duster runs an organization called Pride that aims to dissuade gang life. The communities view of the drug life within the projects is to view it as acceptable as long as general morals are upheld such as no selling to kids. The chapter progresses into a pro-vote orientation with Shorty Lee attempting to acquire votes. Sudhir learns through his experience that the Malibu is the classic thug car.

Next, the chapter progress by delineating a fight between Kris and Michael and a customer. We find out that they pay 15% of their revenue to T-Bone, who manages accounting, to protect them from misconduct. Then, an elderly lady, named Boo-Boo, becomes angry at an Arab store owner (who sign says cigarettes, food stamps, and no loitering) for raping her child, Coco.

Sudhir then befriends Ms. Bailey, the building president of Taylor A. She introduces Sudhir to Autry, a club director at Taylor B, which is controlled by the Disciples. The Disciples are ran by their leader, Mayne. The chapter concludes with two main events. First, Sudhir misses a huge gang meeting at a midnight basketball game due to JT getting angry at Autry. Second, gang violence causes a dispute between the BKs and the Disciples. In the end, Pastor Wilkins and Ms. Bailey facilitate the agreement of JT and Mayne by allowing JT to sell in the park.

Chapter 4 Gang Leader for a Day:

The essence of this chapter revolves around Sudhir assuming control of JT's roles for an entire day. Although Sudhir accuses JT of having an easy job, Sudhir soon learns that managing the BKs is a rather cumbersome task. Although Sudhir claims the title of gang leader, in actuality, JT still manages the gang by dealing with the important issues and any violence.

The chapter begins with a dispute of cleaning up in Robert Taylor. Moochie and Kalia are two of the sales leaders that have not cleaned up in a while. We later find out that Moochie has a better sales track than Kalia and happens to be sleeping with Ms. Bailey, who is over 50 years old. Next, Sudhir must deal with the store owner Johnny who pays BKs for protection but also is dissatisfied with the amount of money that the BKs pay him for items. In the end, JT mostly handles the dispute.

Another major agenda item for Sudhir and JT involves settling the argument between Billy, a tall basketball player and sales team lead, and Otis, one of Billy's sales team members. Otis did not pay Billy some money, but claims that Billy had previously owed him money. The disagreement was settled by JT punching Otis for stealing and let the monetary issues work themselves out. The day ends with one final thing to take care of. Michael had been diluting the crack that he was selling in order to pocket extra money. JT cherishes Michael's creativity, but forces Michael to stop since it would give the BK's a bad reputation.

Chapter 5 Ms. Bailey's Neighborhood:

The overarching theme of this chapter is the correspondence between Sudhir and Ms. Bailey. Sudhir leans more about the project life through the interaction of Ms. Bailey and other women. Sudhir accompanies Ms. Bailey on her errands and sees how she trades beer and liquor for essentials of the community, such as jackets. Catrina is Ms. Baileys assistant and helps assuage her daily tasks. 

One day, Sudhir witnesses Clarisse as she enters Ms. Bailey's office. She is on drugs and uses Sudhir to provide food for her children. Ms. Bailey has a meeting with the tenants of Robert Taylor and she simply reports many of their concerns to the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) after the meeting. The next major event occurs when Taneesha, an attractive aspiring model, returns to Robert Taylor, bloodied and beaten up.   We soon find out that Bee-Bee of the Stones gang was Taneesha's manager and beat her up because she was transitioning to an authentic modeling agency. Blue and C-Note take down Bee-Bee with the aid of Sudhir's kick. Finally, it becomes clear that some animosity exists between JT and Ms. Bailey.

Chapter 6 The Hustler and the Hustled:

The focus of this chapter revolves around Sudhir and his desire to learn about the economic aspect of the gang. In order to accomplish this task, Sudhir interviews some of the local hustlers of Robert Taylor, including pimps, candy sellers, prostitutes, psychics, and tailors. During this process, Ms. Bailey points out that Sudhir is hustling as well. This implies that Sudhir is just trying to make the best of his current situation, which is analogous to the inhabitants of Robert Taylor.

During his interviews, Sudhir realizes that prostitutes are classified into affiliates with pimps and independents. 

Next, Cordella explains the history of how she used to run the parties of Robert Taylor. However, with the lack of males, the gangs easily overthrew her and her associates in the process. One theme that is pervasive throughout the chapter is the fact that women tend to help each other immensely with tasks such as cooking and childcare. Also, Sudhir unveils the reality that it is incredibly rare to own an apartment with all the luxuries. Inhabitants usually share essentials such as showers and refrigerators within certain apartments.

Although Sudhir has collected critical data, he has overstepped his boundaries with almost everyone he questioned by revealing their true income. As Sudhir tries to fit back in at Robert Taylor, he learns that Catrina was killed in a fight between her brother and her dad. In a meeting with the women, Sudhir fully understands the full nature of Ms. Bailey's power and how she hustles so much. The chapter concludes with more hardships of women and details a story of Keisha stabbing her abusive ex-boyfriend. Finally, the tenants accuse Sudhir of sleeping with their women in a minor dispute at a meeting.

Chapter 7 Black and Blue:

The chapter begins with Darryl, a "lifer", telling JT some more stories about the projects. During this talk, the MC and Stone gangs perform a drive by shooting, and hit Price in the leg. Cherise drives Price to the hospital to avoid gang association with a female escort. At the same time, we discover that JT, T-Bone, and Price are all in the process of being promoted.

Next, Sudhir meets Reggie, who used to live in the projects, but is now a cop. Reggie has been trying to improve life within Robert Taylor by utilizing his power as a cop with connections. We later find out that cops consistently raid gang parties to steal some of the wealth that gangs bring in. Sudhir then goes to a bar in Hyde Park to meet Reggie and Jerry. It turns out that Jerry is a rogue cop, and recognizes Sudhir.

Reggie then attempts to persuade Sudhir to not write anything about the cops. Jerry broke into Sudhir's car to read his notebooks to satisfy his paranoia. Currently, the Feds are initiating an investigation to begin raiding gangs. This puts a damper on the local cops wishes because they want to know which gang leaders are in power to maintain the status quo. The chapter concludes with JT inviting Sudhir to a massive BK meeting.

Chapter 8 The Stay Together Gang:

The chapter begins with Sudhir attending a huge BK party in Calumet Heights at Brian's house. Brian and Jerry are two high profile members within the BK gang. The BKs self describe themselves as a "community organization" responding to peoples needs. Next, Sudhir is jokingly introduced as the BK's Director of Communications, although the position never materializes. As Sudhir continues his relations with high ranking members of the BKs, Pootchie describes to him the difference between "jailhouse niggers" and "operators", which correlates with gang members that have a desire to eventually leave the BKs.

On day, T-Bone decides to give Sudhir his accounting notebook. This has a large impact on some of Sudhir's future economic writings. Sudhir then learns that JT is looking to set up new factions, such as one in West Pullman. However, the chapter takes a drastic turn when the CHA plans to tear down Robert Taylor and Ms. Bailey can only save a certain percentage of the inhabitants.

Another helper, Dorothy, sets up the "Stay Together Gang" which plans to keep the families closely knitted. However, the number of families in this gang drops from twelve to four. A small conflict between Dorothy and Ms. Reemes evolves to the point where they are calling the cops on each other for a power struggle. Later, Bill Clinton decides to visit the Robert Taylor homes. As Sudhir goes to Harvard for a fellowship, the BKs are falling apart. T-Bone goes to jail and JT decides to start a business in dry cleaning and a barbershop with his cousin. While Sudhir teaches at Columbia, JT offers his networking with Curtis in a Newark BK faction.