Fighting Back!
Council For Unity Addresses Gang Violence and Culture
by Yuridia Peña
The Council For Unity, an anti-gang organization, is a resource for Principals like Reesa Levy whose 2,100 students live in neighborhoods infested by gangs, poverty and drugs. The Council’s presence in her school, Sheepshead Bay High School, helps students avoid the deplorable conditions of their streets and creates a community of hope.
On April 6, the Council For Unity (CFU) held a conference that addressed its goals for nearly 200 educators, city employees and children’s advocates. The non-profit organization specializes in breaking down gang culture in schools, jails and communities.
The program began in 1975 when CFU Founder Robert DeSena, then an English teacher at Brooklyn’s John Dewey High School, persuaded six gang leaders to end their rivalries and violence; soon after, Mr. DeSena and the students created the CFU model, which other schools began adopting. The curriculum creates a supportive environment, breaks down racial bias or persecution and addresses self-esteem issues in adolescents.
CFU made its way into prisons where convicts from the most dangerous street gangs completed the program. Some ex-cons are now leading CFU programs at other facilities and schools. “Most of my staff are ex-offenders, ex-gang leaders, ex-drug dealers and Ph.Ds all committed with a passion to save lives,” explained Mr. DeSena.
“The crux of the Council for Unity is to provide an alternative for young people, an alternative away from gangs, for young people to get involved with something that is positive that will help influence their future, that will provide them with a familial environment for them to be successful in life,” said Saundra Thomas, Vice President of Community Affairs at WABC, who sits on the Board and was the emcee for the day.
Keynote speaker Pedro Noguera, an urban sociologist, retold one of his favorite stories of how he met several young men from Eagle Academy in the Bronx; they caught his attention when he saw them give up their seats for older passengers in the subway. He said he was most impressed when he asked the students why the act of kindness and they answered: “It’s the Eagle way.” His point: Kindness can be taught, and habits can be instilled.
A panel addressed the various issues surrounding gang violence and culture. One panelist, Deanna M. Rodriguez, Chief of the Gang Bureau at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, said she often prosecutes second-generation gang members so school leaders should be aware that some youngsters might have “inherited” the gang lifestyle. For example, The Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation is one of the oldest Hispanic street gangs in America and a child born to a Latin Queen is considered a “golden child.”
Ms. Rodriguez also said many gang initiations are now broadcast on social media sites. As a result, law enforcement agencies can prosecute more young people in a more effective manner because of the amount of evidence available online.
Three CSA members ran a workshop called “Confronting Gangs and Bullies in the Classroom: Innovative Strategies Employed.” They were Ms. Levy, of Sheepshead Bay HS; Dominick D’Angelo, Principal, IS 228, D-21 and Shoshana Singer, Principal, PS 177, D-21.
Principal Levy currently has four classes for atrisk students who are in gangs, recently released from correctional facilities, and are usually overaged and under-credited. “I have incredible teachers trained by CFU and they just create an environment where these kids have alternatives … and the success rate is outstanding,” she said.
