by Johnny C. Perez
On November 20th, 1991, I was a gang member. At around 9:33pm that night I was riding a moped. I didn’t give much thought to how dangerous it was for me to be out at that time of night. The past two years, two gang associates had been murdered, and many more shot. I wasn’t thinking about that. I was a sixteen years old having fun. In the blink of an eye, there was a blazer in front of me with a person half way out the passenger window shooting at me. I was hit in my left shoulder.
You would think after having gone through this incident, I would have changed my life for the better. I didn’t. A day later, I was back out on the street hanging-out. Not once did I give any thought to what I was doing to those who loved and cared about me. Not once, did I think of the mental torment I was putting them through every time I stepped out of the house. Not once did I think about them, not once.
I gave more thought to what my gang associates thought. I cared more about their opinion of me, than I did about my loved ones’ opinion. That’s what being in a gang does to you. It prevents you from thinking clearly and rationally. It’s a selfish, cut throat, and destructive way of life. This life will chew you up and spit you out.
Take heed to the examples around you. Don’t put yourself through unnecessary anguish. Choose a life where those who love and care about you are proud of you and your choices. Choose a life where you’re giving, not taking.
I’m forty-three years old now. I’ve spent twenty-two years in prison. More than ever, I wish I could go back to November 20th, 1991 and change my life. Instead, I had to learn the hard way. Don’t be me. Be better.
Sincerely,
Someone Who Cares