Corvus+Q4+Tattoos+on+the+Heart

Elizabeth Nadeau
 * Gregory Boyle**

Gregory Boyle was born in Los Angeles and attended schools in the area. After Boyle graduated from High School, he pursued a career as a priest, which was accomplished in 1984. Father Greg saw the gang activity that was going on in the Los Angeles area and wanted to provide help to those who wanted out of that lifestyle. In 1988 he created a program called "Jobs for Futures", which would later become the popularly successful Homeboy Industries. Many say that without Father Boyle, the gang activity would still be at high numbers in Los Angeles, and possibly the rest of the country. When asked why Father Boyle helps these children he replied, "I would rather stand in awe of the burdens these kids bear than stand in judgment of the way they bear them". Father Boyle has a mission to help the people who are suffering in gang activity. He gives hope to those who want a better life, or to not get in anymore trouble with the law. Homeboy Industries is a vision of success around the country. Gregory Boyle is now a published author, motivational speaker, and one of the largest influences in gang activity in Los Angeles.

"Why we do it" //Homeboy Industries//. Web. 02 Apr. 2014. "Life At Homeboy" //Homeboy Industries//. Web. 02 Apr. 2014. "Life at Homeboy: Father Greg" //Homeboy Industries//. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.

Elizabeth Nadeau
 * Homeboy Industries**

Homeboy Industries, founded by Father Gregory Boyle, gave gang members a chance to rehabilitate themselves and give back to their community. The first business associated with Homeboy Industries was the Homeboy Bakery, launched in 1992. The mission of the project was to give gang members a space where they could receive training and have a chance to work with members from rival gangs. Homeboy Industries became a nonprofit foundation in 2001 after proving to be successful. Homeboy Industries is now the largest gang intervention program in the United States. Homeboy Industries gives the community a better view on these gang members who are trying to regain their life outside of the dangers of gang life. The success of the program has shown the interest to leave the life that many once knew for something that seems more worthwhile for them. Homeboy Industries provides many life opportunities that these gang members might not have had if they continued their lifestyle.

"Life at Homeboy: Father Greg" //Homeboy Industries//. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.

Melanie Jones
 * Los Angeles in 1980's**

Many important and life-changing events occurred during the 1980s in Los Angeles, California. In 1980, the Los Angeles River overflowed and a year later, the first case of AIDS appeared in the L.A. county. The city soon faced a quarantine due to fruit flies with the fear that agriculture will turn to ruins. In 1983, the D.A.R.E. program is introduced to L.A. unified schools. Two years later, the environmental group Heal the Bay is formed in Santa Monica in response to increased pollution of shoreline water. In 1988, a stray bullet fired by gang members kills a Long Beach woman in Westwood. This brings gang violence to the city’s forefront. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency imposes stricter limits on Los Angeles County. The fruit flies return again, resulting in another quarantine of Los Angeles. The L.A. Almanac states, “1989: Federal agents seize 20 tons of cocaine and $10 million in cash in an unguarded warehouse. It is the largest seizure of drugs in the U.S. to date. Federal law enforcement official declare Los Angeles as the nation’s leading narcotics distribution center.” (Los Angeles) Although there were many minor events that occurred during the 1980’s in Los Angeles, the minor events add up with the major events that evidently count.

“Los Angeles County - 1980 to Present.” //Los Angeles County - 1980 to Present//. Web. 2 Apr 2014.

Melanie Jones
 * Gangs in Los Angeles**

The County and City of Los Angeles are the gang capital of the nation. There are more than 450 active gangs in the City of Los Angeles. Many of these gangs have been in existence for over 50 years, with a combined membership of over 45,000 individuals. The Los Angeles Police Department states, “Gangs are not a new phenomenon. During the last three years, there were over 16,398 verified violent gang crimes in Los Angeles. These include 491 homicides, nearly 7,047 felony assaults, approximately 5,518 robberies and just under 98 rapes” (LAPD Online). Gang membership in Los Angeles has continued to increase over the past five years even though there have been periodic crime decreases. One of the major factors contributing to increased gangs and violence has been the lucrative narcotics trade, while gangs are competing for top market in drugs.

“Gangs - The Los Angeles Police Department.” Gangs. Web. 2 Apr 2014.

Melanie Jones
 * Socio-economical status in Los Angeles 1980’s**

In the 1980’s, Los Angeles became the number one gang capital. Evidently, for social status, gangs played a major role in society. Stanford states, “By 1980, there were approximately 15,000 Crips and Bloods gang members in and around the Los Angeles area. The gangs-or sets-ranged in size from a few gang members to several hundred and had little, if any, organized leadership. The typical age of a gang member varied from 14- to 24-years-old. (Hoover 1). It was extremely common in the 1980’s for a large amount of individual to be a part of a gang or involved with gang activities. As for the economy, Los Angeles was slowly progressing, experiencing setbacks such as the flood and two quarantines on the city due to pests.

Hoover, Marcus. “Where All the Madness Began: A Look at Gang History.” //Where All the Madness Began//. Web. 2 Apr 2014.