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On the surface, it may not appear Birmingham has much of a gang problem.
But if you know where to look, you will see the signs of a gang presence that has many people concerned.
The most visible symbols of gangs are the graffiti tags they leave under overpasses and on the sides of abandoned homes. But the vandalism is not their most serious crime. The major issues are drugs and guns.
Gangs survive by making money. Authorities say gangs make money by selling drugs. And the money, the status and the fear gangs can impose on others, are what appeals to young children who fall into the gang culture.
"We have more of a gang 'presence' than a gang problem," said Birmingham Police Detective Charles Singletary. He then cautioned, "If we ignore it, we're definitely going to have a gang problem, and it's going to be a big one."
Singletary, and other Birmingham officers, are part of the Birmingham FBI (web) 's Violent Crime and Gangs Task Force. He said it is not uncommon for children as young as eight years old to get involved with gangs.
Singletary said Birmingham gangs are not as organized as those found in major cities such as Los Angeles; however, he and others said Birmingham appears to be at a tipping point. Either the community as a whole can combat the gang mentality. Or we can surrender to it.
The task force would not provide specific arrest totals for Birmingham, but Singletary said the Birmingham force and similar forces across the county have arrested thousands of suspects.
Still, he acknowledged that simply arresting gang members is not enough. "We need the citizens to get involved. The police can't be everywhere," Singletary said.
A Birmingham priest applauded law enforcement efforts to crack down on gang activities. But he, too, agreed measures must go beyond simply locking some people up.
The priest, Father Alex Steinmiller, is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School in Ensley. To many students, Steinmiller said the school offers "a way out."
"We welcome students who perhaps had a difficult time in grade school. We give them another chance to look at their future," Steinmiller said.
Steinmiller worked with gangs for years. He was in Detroit in the aftermath of the 1968 race riots. He was later in San Antonio and gained experience with the gang culture there.
Now, he is in Birmingham working to keep children from making the wrong choices.
As a Cristo Rey school, Holy Family requires students to attend classes four days a week. On the remaining weekday, students work at corporate-level jobs. The idea is to affirm the positive aspects of a responsible, productive life.
That component, along with others, can drastically reduce the influence or allure of a gang, Steinmiller said. "I'm talking about churches. I'm talking about businesses, police, education, community centers. It's got to be a collaberative effort," he added. "I do see Birmingham at the brink of a challenge to either collaborate and grow together and transform this area or to remain independent."
Another element of change could be those who have lived the gang life before.
Jahari Sailes grew up in the Druid Hills neighborhood. "I was part of the crips," he said. "I went out to California and came back."
Sailes detailed drug deals and trouble making during his years of growing up.
But then, he said, something changed. He began looking for a way out. He credited his change with a spiritual experience.
Now a minister near his old neighborhood, Sailes said he is working to spread an anti-gang message in Druid Hills. "I can't force that on them. All I can do is introduce to them a better way of life. And that way'll be Jesus," he said. "Change has to come within."
It should be noted law enforcement is often skeptical of people like Sailes. Police have said if a gang member truly reforms and starts preaching against his former gang members, those former gang members would kill their reformed friend.
But Sailes said half of his fellow members ended up dead or in jail. And the other half seem respectful, even envious, of his change.
"They tell us that we can't get out until death. But you can get out when you get ready," he said. "The gangs in Birmingham, they are copying off of gangs up North and out West."
Sailes said he wants to work with neighborhood associations and community groups to serve as a positive role model for Birmingham's youth. He said community members need to collectively take ownership of their neighborhood and shows gangs they are not welcome. "I think if the neighborhoods get more involved in the upkeep of the neighborhoods, we'll have a better neighborhood."
And at least on that note, law enforcement agrees. Singletary said acts of vandalism such as graffiti tags should be countered by covering the graffiti up, even if it requires constant repainting if the vandals strike again.
A tireless effort from neighbors would ultimately help them win the battles against gangs, he said.
"Band together. It's not a one-person fight. It's the entire community," Singletary added.
The key is to ensure those with the strongest influence are using their voices for truly positive change.
If not, Birmingham could pass the somber milestone of that "gang presence" escalating into a "gang problem."
| Unedited Interview: Rev Jahari Sailes | Unedited Interview: Det Charles Singletary |
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