pic: Aaron and Jeff
Acknowledging that at age 13 he was a “full-fledged gang banger,” 19-year-old Aaron Maxwell is one of the lucky ones. A member of the Harlem 30’s, Aaron was beaten and stabbed while a student at Crenshaw High School.
One of five siblings “raised in a nice home by a loving mother,” Aaron watched two older brothers serve long-term prison sentence. He credits Unity One’s Project Director Jeffrey Harmon with saving him from the same fate.
“Jeffrey was like a father figure to me,” Aaron explained. “I would say that at least half the gang bangers don’t have a father figure,” he added. “Jeffrey was mine and if it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t be here right now. It was like he just came and touched me on my shoulder and showed me the way.”
Noting that there are many like Aaron in the community, Harmon commented, “Aaron was like my diamond in the rough. He was always curious, always asking questions. I took him under my wing.”
Currently employed as a security guard, Aaron is proud that in the last year he has been able to obtain a driver’s license and purchase a car. He’s also looking to return to school. And, he still attends Unity One meetings under Harmon’s direction.
By: Rae Jones
One of five siblings “raised in a nice home by a loving mother,” Aaron watched two older brothers serve long-term prison sentence. He credits Unity One’s Project Director Jeffrey Harmon with saving him from the same fate.
“Jeffrey was like a father figure to me,” Aaron explained. “I would say that at least half the gang bangers don’t have a father figure,” he added. “Jeffrey was mine and if it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t be here right now. It was like he just came and touched me on my shoulder and showed me the way.”
Noting that there are many like Aaron in the community, Harmon commented, “Aaron was like my diamond in the rough. He was always curious, always asking questions. I took him under my wing.”
Currently employed as a security guard, Aaron is proud that in the last year he has been able to obtain a driver’s license and purchase a car. He’s also looking to return to school. And, he still attends Unity One meetings under Harmon’s direction.
By: Rae Jones
Posts
1 comments:
This is why Unity One is one of the best at intervention and pervention. Not! it's the way of life! Big Jeff works to save lives because he loves his community and is not looking for self gratification or a pay check.Stay stronge with the movement my Black brother.
Post a Comment