Rival LA Gangs Call Truce to View Favela Rising

Last Tuesday we had a great screening of the film at Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights (east LA). It was particularly powerful, because Raul Diaz of Homeboy Industries brought with him about 30 youth that were working with Homeboy. After the film, Ando and I jumped in a van with Raul and about 8 youth – most of whom were gang-affiliated -- and toured the neighborhood. I sat in the back seat. On my left was Chris of the gang Primera Flats. On my right was Mike of the rival gang TMC. On the streets these two gangs are sworn deadly rivals. But Raul had gotten them to agree to put their hatred aside for this screening of the film, and while we sat together in the van the truce held. It was a very moving moment for me that the power of the film was strong enough that these two sworn enemies could sit three feet from each other (with only me separating them) and hold a truce.

And then of course, they told their stories. Just as in Brazil, both felt a need to join a gang for three things: money, security and a sense of belonging. Chris in particular told me that Raul was like a big brother to him, and therefore Chris saw a potential family outside of the gang. Raul was also offering him a way to earn legitimate money. And by leaving the gang world, Chris might have less need for security. While Chris hadn’t decided to leave the gang life, he told me that he was confused. The film had inspired him. I hope, when I go back to Boyle Heights, that Chris, like so many kids in Brazil, has decided to leave the gang life …