(aired on WABE FM on November 29, 2008)
My best friend who was like a big brother to me was shot and killed by an AK-47. Growing up as a black man in a rough neighborhood in New York City I was forced to live the gang life. Five of my closest friends died – mostly shootings.
In Atlanta, I see the same problem of ongoing violence in my neighborhood. As someone who has seen it up close, I’ve got an unusual solution to gang culture. I think the Department of Labor should change the age limit for teens to work. Teens with a job at a young age would not be attracted to drug dealing and distracted by gang activities. Having a job is an easier and safer way to make money.
My parent always pushed me to get a job so I would not end up in a gang, dealing drugs, destined to be dead somewhere.
Passing a law like this would actually help teens. With jobs, teens can show responsibility, gain trust, get ready for the real world, and get off the street corners. So many teens have no way to be independent and stay out of trouble. Having a job as early as possible will improve that.
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