Rise of the Ronin in Richmond, California
I just read this story about older men, many of whom are ex-convicts, are coming together to make a stand for the young, forgotten men in their community. The creative project organized by DeVonne Boggan rewards young men with money and trips for not retaliating with violence against those who murdered their friends. But the bigger picture is, it shows these young men that someone gives a fuck about them. The older men in the program show up to have the backs of these young men when they need it.
The program has young men think twice before retaliation, and gives them a reason to give a fuck about their lives and communities. The first reward is financial, and the second is a trip to Washington, DC and New York. The catch? The young man has to travel with another young man who is essentially his enemy. Two young men at risk of killing each other, traveling together, and resolving conflict through conversation.
Inspired.
