Warning against the dangers of gangs, nationally recognized gang expert Dr. A.V. Strong recently visited Beauty Hill Baptist Church to talk about the prevalence of gangs in South Carolina and urge the community to put an end to the violence that has been claiming the lives of young people.

"This is a human problem," said Strong, a once-active gang member who got out and now takes his story to communities across the U.S. "We can continue to cry and come to funerals, or we can get out into the community and build relationships."

Strong, a FBI-ce.jpgied gang specialist, said female gangs are the fastest growing gang segment in the state, across all racial boundaries, and it is important for communities to reach out to young people and offer them a sense of belonging.

"In America, we have made it popular to be a gang member," he said, adding that rap artists and actors who are professed gang members serve as spokesmen and women for popular products, and video games, like "Grand Theft Auto," actually teach young people how to perform gang-related acts like drive-by shootings.

"Kids are acting out what they're listening to and are becoming more violent," he said. "Young people can stop gangs by not joining them. If gangs can't recruit, they'll die out."

Strong said the responsibility for helping children steer clear of gangs falls on adults in the community, who should get involved in school and community organizations to mentor children and make positive difference in their lives.

"We've got to take back our communities by taking back our children," he said. "If you do nothing, expect nothing."

Tenth-grader Timothy Pierce said Strong's message was powerful.

"We were very fortunate to get Dr. Strong to educate us about gangs and gang activity in South Carolina," he said. "I'm going to take the message to my friends and classmates to help them out."

Today, Strong serves as founder and executive director of A Better Way Inc., a non-profit organization that specializes in the prevention and reduction of at-risk behavior among youth and adolescents. The organization is headquartered in Columbia.

Since A Better Way's inception eight years ago, Strong said 18,000 young people have turned in their bandannas. For more information on A Better Way, call 803-799-0990 or visit www.gangout.com.

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