Gang Leader For a Day

J.T. is adamant that the Black Kings are a force for good in the community. Do you agree? Discuss both the advantages and the disadvantages of having a gang in charge for the residents of Robert Taylor Homes.

Throughout the book, Venkatesh raises ethical questions about his work in Chicago’s housing projects. What are some of these questions? Do you think that Venkatesh provides satisfactory answers?

Gender is a minor theme in Gang Leader for a Day. Discuss the role of women in the projects and the particular challenges they face. 

Gender is a minor theme in Gang Leader for a Day. Discuss the role of women in the projects and the particular challenges they face. 

At the end of the book, Venkatesh wonders whether he and J.T. were ever really friends. Do you think they were? Why or why not?

Ms. Bailey is adamant that many of the challenges facing the tenants of Robert Taylor Homes are a result of external forces and not the tenants fault. What are some of these forces and how do they contribute to life in the projects?

Choose a motif—either one of the ones discussed in this guide or one you have identified yourself—and discuss its significance in the book.

Venkatesh describes J.T. as a good manager. Do you agree with his assessment? What are the similarities and differences between a regular business and the illegal drug trade J.T. is involved in?