I have sat in courtrooms listening to many drug and murder cases. I have seen many moms weeping over their losses. I have seen moms whose children were charged with the crime, weeping with devastation, not understanding why their children threw their lives away. I have seen defendants' nervous faces turn into shock and regret when they were found guilty.

I have studied your behavior and I've learned you take a lot of negative risk. Your gain is death, prison, or both. Some of you may have gotten away with it, but you're always watching your back.

I'll leave you with a challenge to THINK about LIFE and STOP the GANGBANGING if you dare. Take those negative risks, and make them positive. You'll gain respect and riches throughout the years. The best part of it, it's yours to keep and you don't have to watch your back. Your Homeboys may not like it, but your family will be proud.

It's not going to he easy, that is why it's a challenge. You like to take risks, so make a life for yourself in a positive way. There are no excuses in this world why you can't, there are only alternatives. There are many programs to help you, all you have to do is find out where and follow through. Education is costly, but there are books to get you started. I don't care if you come from a low income family or you could make more money selling drugs, the riches of life come from one's own accomplishments. Take the challenge and find out for yourself.