Ex-Gang member: The Program Changed My Life

Donnell, 16, and Donnisha Powell, 15, are working at KUSH, Inc., a community organization that provides prevention and gang intervention programs to gang members and gang-affiliated persons ...

By James A. Nelson IV

Donnell, 16, and Donnisha Powell, 15, are working at KUSH, Inc., a community organization that provides prevention and gang intervention programs to gang members and gang-affiliated persons ages between the ages of 10 to 24.  The goal of KUSH, Inc. is to enlighten participants and change their thinking so they recognize the negative impact gangs have on communities. Growing up in a gang-infested area in the Watts Housing Development, Nickerson Gardens, the Powell’s understand the importance and the impact that the organization makes on their community.

The siblings take pride in their work and explain some of their campaign projects. “We get the word out about our organization by literally going door-to-door, handing out pamphlets and explaining to our neighbors what we represent,” Donnell explains. The sister and brother plan to use their hard earned money on school uniforms and helping out with family bills.

Emilio Leon, 20, is their mentor. He spent four years involved in a gang and now he’s out;

Emilio Leon, 20, is their mentor. He spent four years involved in a gang and now he’s out; “I just got tired of it and searched for help to get out.” He turned to KUSH, Inc. for that support. Emilio has been in with the organization as a counselor for the past two years, “I’ve found my calling, I want to help others who were in my situation and show them that there’s a way out. I want to have a positive impact on the community.”

KUSH, Inc., which has been around for 20 years, has been an impact to the youth and their communities. Similar to Emilio, Donnell and Donnisha want to come back to this program next year. Donnell says, “I’ve learned a lot from working here, I’m getting experience that I wouldn’t have received if I wasn’t in this program.”