Jt’s Gang of Black Kings

Sudhir Venkatesh recounts his time in one of Chicago’s notorious housing projects when he studied and lived among the gangs in his book “Gang Leader for a Day.” There, he becomes acquainted with the gang leader of the Black Kings, JT. He experiences day to day interaction amongst the gang members and learn that appearances can be deceiving. He realizes being a gang leader is much more complex than he had hoped for when JT lets him be the boss for a day.

The gang is not all about violence, drugs, and guns. There is a hierarchy and chain of command that provides some sort of social order in the community. However, there is a price that comes from this, protection money is paid to ensure peace or disorderly conduct is placed.

Although gangs terrorize the Robert Taylor Homes, the gangs also protect the elderly and children whereas the police fail to do anything. The book introduces Sudhir Venkatesh as a graduate student at the University of Chicago.

Get quality help now

WriterBelle

Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

4.7 (657)

“ Really polite, and a great writer! Task done as described and better, responded to all my questions promptly too! ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

It is noted that he lives between Hyde Park where the university is located and Woodlawn, a neighborhood that is predominately African American. Few venture to that side since it is known to be infested with crime and gang activity. Sudhir is interested rather than discouraged in learning more about the neighborhood and wonders whether he should conduct a quantitative research or engage in one.

He seeks the advice of Professor Wilson, a member of the Chicago sociology faculty and decides to join the project of surveying black youth living in the neighborhoods surrounding the university.

He later becomes acquainted with Charlie and Old Time during one of his runs in the park. They give Sudhir a lesson in history about Chicago’s past and how social ills still persist. He is directed towards the Oakland neighborhood by Charlie to get further insight with his questionnaire. Once he arrives, he is questioned by youth gang members who mistakes him as a Mexican affiliate and detained. The youth gang members identify themselves in the process as the Black Kings who is under J.T.’s direct commands. J.T. finds the questionnaire funny and advices Sudhir to not ask silly questions and instead understand how young people live on the streets.

The shift in attitude perplexes Sudhir as he watches the interactions between the gang members. His curiosity wins over his better judgement of sticking to protocol as he starts his journey of getting to know the individuals in the poor neighborhoods.  By this point, a steady routine between Sudhir and J.T. is established as their meet ups become more frequent. Sudhir sees J.T. in a different light after knowing more about his background and how economic limitations brought him to his current path. J.T. introduces his mother, Ms. Mae to Sudhir at a party that is thrown in the Robert Taylor Homes. Ms. Mae educates Sudhir by explaining why she lives in a “community” and not the “projects” when she senses that he has no clue what the Robert Taylor Homes were about. He learns more as J.T. gives him a tour of the place and explain how protection comes with the turf, but at a price. : The relationship between Sudhir and JT grows when Sudhir saves one of JT’s friends, Price during a drive by shooting. Instead of calling the cops, they bring him upstairs to be treated. JT then confides in Sudhir about. here is a shift in Sudhir’s attitude towards the Black Kings by the lack of enthusiasm he has when JT invites him to attend a meeting with him. He is excited to help Autry write a grant propels for the Department of Justice for funding.

He sees it as a way to make himself useful and investigate Robert Taylor from a cop’s point of view. Upon meeting Officer Jerry, his opinion changes as he learns not all cops are proper. His desire to finish his fieldwork and move on with his life increases after being concerned for his safety. He is aware of his privileged position from within Robert Taylor and without as the tenants fear for their future by news that the project will be demolished. Sudhir learns about the activities that JT and the other leaders partake in during the regional meetings and makes a comparison with a corporation executive. He understands that JT is a drug dealer and a gangster with a high profile. However, he can’t help feeling proud of him for rising in ranks.