Students hear 'life-changing' message about gangs

Rather than a predetermined speech, Dr. A.V. Strong had a candid conversation with Barnwell County students about his former life as a gang member on Oct. 10 and Oct. 19.

“I’m not here to preach to you, I’m here to have a conversation,” said Dr. Strong.

Dr. Strong is an FBI-certified gang culture and behavior expert with many years of law enforcement and military experience, as well as a former member the Bloods–a street gang originated in Los Angeles, CA.

Now in his retirement, he travels nationwide to advocate against gang violence and raise awareness about gang activity.

“Dr. Strong is a dynamic individual and engages adolescents as he speaks from the heart about what's happened in his life. His message is truly life-changing,” said BSD 45 Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton.

On Oct. 10, Dr. Strong spoke with two groups of Barnwell High School students and Guinyard- Butler Middle School (GMBS) students. Dr. Strong then spoke with Williston-Elko High School and Blackville-Hilda High School (BHHS) students at their respective schools on Oct. 19.

First introduced by Barnwell County Sheriff Steve Griffith, Dr. Strong began the conversation with students at BHHS saying, “I’m being real with you, so you’ve got to be real with me.”

Dr. Strong asked BHHS students to raise their hands if they knew a gang member, or knew a wannabe gang member; the auditorium quickly became a sea of raised palms.

He told stories of loss and light as he navigated gang-life in his youth on the West Coast. He explained to students that young people losing their lives to gang-violence is not God’s will.

“It is great for young people to hear how choices they make can affect, not just them, but others that are connected with them,” said GBMS Principal Mike Beasley.

Dr. Strong carries a duffle bag of colored bandanas with him to events; each given to him by a gang member who opted to change their narrative after his influence.

Each bandana once held significance to its owner as it represented their gang affiliation. Now, it sits in Dr. Strong’s duffle bag being used to show that leaving a gang is possible.

However, there are two bandanas in the bag that represent death rather than starting over– one belonged to an 18-year-old named Dwight, who died from 13 stab wounds by a rival gang.

“This young man died over a rag,” said Dr. Strong.

Dwight’s death was the first Dr. Strong had ever witnessed, and he carries his friend’s bandana to be reminded of his senseless death.

Some students gasped and winced at the experiences that Dr. Strong shared, others were focused on each word he said. Silence followed by shock fell upon the auditorium when he told the story of his brother, Michael, who was beaten so badly by a rival gang that brain matter exited his skull.

Dr. Strong is in this line of work to honor his brother, and stand as a symbol for gang members who may want to change their narrative as he did.

“Dr. Strong is a living testimony that education is the best way to make your life better. Dr. Strong showed our kids that no obstacle in your life's journey is too big to overcome - not even a life of gang activities, crime, and poverty. Through the power of education and faith, he went from a potential high school drop out to a man who has now received his doctorate,” said BHS Principal Franklin McCormack.

Dr. Strong told BHHS students about the factors against him in high school as a young Black man, and how it was an active choice to defy those odds. He explains students today are facing the same gang-related challenges he faced in his youth.

“The only thing that changes about gangs is the year they operate,” said Dr. Strong.

After the conversation, BHHS students began asking Dr. Strong questions such as, ‘Have you ever killed someone?’ and ‘Did you ever feel like taking revenge?’ all of which he answered honestly.

Students felt comfortable enough to ask the questions they wanted answers to, which spoke to Dr. Strong’s initial goal of holding a conversation rather than a speech.

“Dr. Strong's presentation was informative, real, and impactful. He reached our students on levels they could relate to and kept them engaged, and they were able to ask questions that were thought provoking and honest,” said BHHS Principal Christina Snider. “We are glad that he was able to share his story with our students and let them know there is an alternative to gang life.”

He thanked the educators and law enforcement who made this possible. Dr. Strong shares his story with students through a partnership with BCSO, Barnwell School District 45, and Barnwell County Consolidated School District.

“Dr. Strong facilitated an engaging dialogue with our middle and high school scholars using his experiences with gang culture,” said Williston-Elko High School Principal Tony Flowers. “Williston-Elko High School is thankful for the partnership as we continue to help promote a positive culture and guidance for our scholars as they move through life.”

“We’re all partners trying to do whatever we can for the youth of this country,” said Sheriff Griffith, who has coordinated these events alongside Reverend Donald Goode of St. Mary’s Baptist Church in Martin and pastoral committees.

“We are so grateful to Sheriff Steve Griffith and Reverend Donald Goode who helped coordinate this opportunity for our students. We appreciate them always partnering with us and being champions for our children,” said Dr. Stapleton.

In August, Dr. Strong spoke with BSD 45 and BCCSD educators and administrators about the signs and signals of gang influence in schools. BCSO, BSD45, BCCSD, and their partners in this effort all hope to continue bringing gang violence awareness programs to Barnwell County.