e reasons for gang membership and violence even more pressing upon society.
One of the biggest factors responsible for black youth turning to gang membership is because they see it offers them an alternative to success compared to the conventional route of hard work and upright behavior that serve to promote the American Dream. Looking at limited opportunities for income, work, education and healthcare compared to their wealthy social counterparts, many youth reject the promise of the American Dream and turn to the quick riches, social prestige and affiliation of gangs. The promise that "social position depends on a person's ability and effort" is one many African Americans do not believe in a society that denies them equal access to the routes of upward mobility of whites (Ezell, Norwood & Stewart, et a
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