Renegade Dreams: Living Through Injury in Gangland Chicago

In the field note titled “Getting In,” Ralph encounters Mr. Randall, who used to be the probation officer of a gang leader, Kemo. They meet at the House of Worship. Mr. Randall expresses surprise and concern about Ralph’s interactions with Kemo. Despite Ralph having been in a meeting with Kemo and other gang members like Justin, Tiko, Pete, and Steve, Kemo has never directly spoken to Ralph. He only mocks him indirectly. Ralph assures Mr. Randall that he is not joining the gang but is actually meeting Kemo to discuss organizing a forum to stop violence, a task ironically accomplished without any direct communication between them.

This chapter discusses the role of disability in Eastwood and beyond. Ralph brings up the example of Justin, whom he discussed in the Introduction. Justin organizes a forum on violence together with Kemo. Ralph illustrates the issue by referring to the high rates of violent crime in Chicago and the disabilities that result from it, especially among African American and Latino populations. Further on, he explores the social and medical models of disability, emphasizing the unique experiences of disabled African American ex-gang members. Ralph argues that the disability rights movement, while advocating for equality, often overlooks the intersection of race and disability.

Ralph describes a meeting where Kemo, who has never directly spoken to Ralph, outlines the rules for the upcoming forum. Kemo emphasizes discretion about the gang and its activities. Ralph explains the background of the relationship between Justin and Kemo and why Kemo supports the forum against violence. The two men were once close friends when a third member of the gang shot Justin, causing his disability. Kemo left Justin behind at the time of the shooting. However, due to the gang’s internal system of dependability, Justin’s status as an ex-gang member with disabilities is fixed, and Kemo has a debt of honour that Justin can rely on and use to ask for help. Therefore, at Justin’s request, Kemo collaborates in the forum on violence. Moreover, Kemo’s role in the community as a leader of the gang also comes with the responsibility of protecting the members of the gang. It is in Kemo’s interest for the violence to subside and for young members to have a peaceful attitude.

The community forum also counts on the involvement of the Crippled Footprint Collective, a group of ex-gang members with disabilities who use their experiences to educate youths about the consequences of gang involvement and violence. The Collective’s approach contrasts with the traditional medical model of disability, emphasizing the lived experience of disability as a result of gang violence.

Ralph narrates Justin’s story, detailing his journey from gang involvement to becoming paralyzed and eventually an activist against gang violence. The story of Justin’s shooting, his realization of the cost of gang life, and his subsequent decision to advocate for peace and non-violence serve as an example of resilience in Eastwood. Ralph discusses the potential for a story such as Justin’s to change gang culture by bringing disability to the fore to counter the young affiliates’ ideas about money and fame. Ralph suggests that, by acknowledging and discussing the realities of disability caused by gang violence, there may be a path toward reducing such violence and changing the mindset of young gang members.