Columbia Heights Crews

This news report is about Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C., which was where I used to live. It's about another sad, sad round of gang-related killings. Real life is hard enough, it doesn't need to be made worse by implying that a seige mentality is the only thing that can possibly get Columbia Heights residents through this tough time. Unlike what one of those interviewed says, there actually is something that can be done and it starts with people coming out of their shells and claiming responsibility for their own community. I'm glad I know people in Columbia Heights who are doing just that. It's not hopeless.

The History of Barrios Unidos

My review of the book, The History of Barrios Unidos is now posted in the current issue of Sojourners. Barrios Unidos is an organization that works to develop alternatives to gang violence and build opportunities for youth. Frank de Jesus Acosta did a great job on this book. It's an essential read for anyone working to build a not-for-profit organization of any kind, I would say.

Once upon a time I was working on a book with Barrios Unidos founder, Nane Alejandrez (above). That book, a more personal story of Nane's spiritual path, still deserves to be written. It's a tremendous story that would inspire many.

Check out the review and then subscribe to Sojourners. For many, many years now they have been doing a great job of raising deserving stories like that of Barrios Unidos to a wider audience.