Gang life, though
it is exciting, has its share of tragedy. As Bobby and the
other CVL leaders watched younger kids follow in their footsteps,
get jailed, and die, they started to talk among themselves.
With the civil rights and Black nationalist
movements beginning to sweep the country, the CVL decided
that they had better do something to help Lawndale, not tear
it apart. As one of the older CVL leaders, Bobby argued strongly
for a change.
Conditions in Lawndale were bad. Chicago's
west side was known as one of the toughest and poorest ghettoes
in the country. Who would speak for the people? The CVL decided
to challenge the problems Lawndale faced and become a force
for change.
CVL leaders decide
on a change: from left to right: J.P, Cupid, Alphonso, their
mascot, Tiger, Bobby, and Calloway
