Original Homies Gang Tapes Gang Forum- Discuss Gangs in LA Download Gang Articles Trace Tupac's Murder Some Gangs Get Sued

Gangmembers, 'Bangin' On Wax' Project Produces Hope in the 'Hood Los Angeles Sentinel; 9/15/1994; Janice Johnson Los Angeles Sentinel 09-15-1994 Gangmembers, `Bangin' On Wax' Project Produces Hope in the 'Hood. Rival gang members rubbed shoulders with entertainment executives at a West Hollywood party on Thursday Sept. 8 as part of a presentation ceremony by the Stamps Youth Foundation which received a check for $5,000. More than 65 people attended the presentation organized by Ronnie Phillips, President and CEO of Dangerous Records. The check was a small portion of the royalties derived from last year's Dangerous Records release, "Bangin' On Wax" which featured rap music written and performed by gang members. Phillips, surrounded by gang members and a few record executives, presented the check to Fern Stamps, founder of the youth organization, on stage at the Dragonfly Club as members of the music industry and the media looked on. "We said that when we did this project, we were gonna put something back in the community. The more records we sell, the more we're gonna put back," Phillips said. The Stamps Youth Foundation was started in 1988 after Stamp's son was shot by a gang member. During the first few years, Stamps went out into the community on her own in an attempt to rehabilitate young gang members by showing them the love and affection that she believes is often times missing for them at home. Stamps also says that many of the problems with youth today are caused when parents burden their children with responsibilities they are not emotionally-ready to handle. "A child should not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. A child should not know how much your rent is or what your mortgage note is," Stamps said. Quality Records Spokesperson Kimberley Ferren discussed Stamp's affect on the young gang members she works with at the California Youth Authority. "She's known for her hugs and a lot of guys in prison just live off her hugs," said Ferren. "It's very important for her to make them realize what they've done with their violence. She tries to help them mostly with love, but she doesn't take any bull." Darrell Hubbard, one of the young men who has benefitted from Stamps' attention and guidance, attended the event with Stamps and her surviving son Kenyatta. Hubbard, a former Crip from Compton, met Stamps while he was serving time for his participation in a gang rape as a teenager. Out of jail for two years, Hubbard gives thanks to Stamps. Because of her he says he doesn't think he'll be going back. "If I didn't have her, I know I'd be back in jail. It's hard to make it when you don't have someone supporting you," Hubbard explained. "Right now, I'm just trying to support my one-month-old baby. I'm not going to go back to jail and let my baby go without a daddy," Hubbard said. With the money donated at the presentation, Stamps is hoping to expand the services her organization offers to young gang members. She is hoping to open a center where young gang members can study, relax and have access to a library. News Topics | Home | Research | History | Blood Gangs | Crip Gangs | People| Life in a Gang | Gallery | Iraqi Cards | Memorial | Migration | Graffiti | Resume| Injunctions Homicides | Maps | California Prisons | Contact

Copyright © Streetgangs.com, All RIGHTS RESERVED. Disclaimer
All trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.