Strike a Chord: Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes
This month a reorganization of several NYPD units will go into effect in order to tackle one of New York City's biggest crime problems - gang violence and youth crews. But one organization, Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes or G-MACC, in Brooklyn is taking a more community based approach to fighting crime.
G-MACC is headquartered in the heart of one of New York's most gang ridden areas: Brownsville Brookyln. To the north of G-MACC's building are the bloods, the west is Outlaw and Crip territory and in the east G-stones call the shots. When taking the B 35 Bus down Church Avenue, this reporter did not have to wait long to hear kids talking about who just got shanked at school. And the team or gang behind the act. Daron Goodman, a Brooklyn resident who works for G-MACC, said these are the norms of the community and that G-MACC is trying to change those norms.
Goodman said, " Our biggest goal is to change the mindset so that we can change the behavior so we can change the community norms."
Goodman is no stranger to gang violence.
He said, "When I was young I thought the guy on the corner hustling was the richest guy in the world. He had the nicest clothes and a nice car, and he always had money in his pocket. I saw him more than I saw people doing the right thing."
Goodman saw gang activity as the only way out of poverty. This ultimately translated into him spending14 years in prison. Goodman said that many people in the community see this as the only viable option for them. Through workshops and community outreach, G-MACC seeks to teach kids that this isn't the path they should take.
He said, "You gotta let them know that this is the reality of your actions." He tells his kids to "not let a temporary condition lead you to do something that has a permanent effect on your life."
G-MACC also provides kids in the neighborhood a respite, a place in which they can do homework and lift weights to release their anger. Goodman said they also provide vocational and education support. He said they're sort of like a "gangsta" guidance counselors.
