Surviving gang member gives hope to troubled teens

By Staff Writer

A man who spent his early adulthood in gangs is now trying to help save young African Americans from street violence.

According to the weekly publication Afro American, former gang member Gregory Baldwin was shot on three separate occasions during the same year. He said that he was shot seven times in one particular incident, and the wounds nearly ended his life.

Decades later, Baldwin formed the nonprofit group Helping Hands that spreads positive messages of hope to adolescents. His goal is help children to persevere through oppression and low self-esteem, which are common triggers for kids entering street gangs.

Baldwin visits Washington DC's most troubled neighborhoods and shares his story. He also provides free haircuts for boys and girls, and hands out dinners to low-income families. Barry Lenoir, the president of United Black Fund, said that Baldwin shows kids that even the most negative life experiences can be turned into something very positive.

Children who engage in violent behavior may benefit from alternative wilderness camps or boot camps, which aim to help troubled teens with emotional or behavioral problems.