My California Endowment Health Journalism Fellowship will explore various forms of trauma in communities stricken by gang violence -- its toll on individuals, families and neighborhoods; its sources; local efforts to move communities forward; and the obstacles it poses to making change a reality.
Even for those who know they want a better life for themselves, escaping from gang life can be extremely challenging. It's hard not to get sucked back in — or worse. Reporter Sahra Sulaiman shares stories of young lives struggling to survive some of L.A.'s roughest neighborhoods.
The public space in parts of Los Angeles can be violent and uncertain, particularly for young men of color. Time once spent sitting on the porch socializing is now spent inside, isolated, staring at the door. As a retaliatory attack can come at any time, everyone has to be on guard.
