Before Crips: Fussin', Cussin', and Discussin' among South Los Angeles Juvenile Gangs

This book explores the missing history of South Los Angeles juvenile gangs, revealing how structural marginality transformed hang-out street groups into gangs, leading to the rise of the Crips and Bloods. It uses a macro historical analysis to explain gang creation, mining a critical archive with direct interviews and literature reviews.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 484 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2022
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

This groundbreaking book delves into the hidden history of South Los Angeles juvenile gangs, shedding light on the transformative journey of hang-out street groups into formidable criminal organizations. The collaboration between John Quicker and Akil Batani-Khalfani, known as Bird, is the driving force behind this insightful exploration. Through their unique bond, they unveil how structural marginalization propelled these non-White juveniles into gangs, ultimately paving the way for the rise of the infamous Crips and Bloods.

Before Crips employs a macro historical analysis to unravel the intricate web of political and economic factors that shaped the emergence of gangs. The authors embark on a critical archival journey, utilizing direct interviews with original gang members alongside comprehensive theory and literature reviews. This multifaceted approach contextualizes gang life and formation, delving into diverse topics such as the criminal economy, notions of masculinity, racial and gendered politics, and perspectives on violence. By adopting an insider/outsider perspective, the authors not only shed light on the core values and organizational structures of these gangs but also delve into their actions, motivations, and growth within the backdrop of inequality and police brutality, culminating in the explosive 1965 Watts Rebellion.

In essence, Before Crips serves as an indispensable guide to understanding the early dynamics of South Los Angeles gang life. It provides a comprehensive analysis of what has remained constant, what has evolved, and the deep-rooted origins of the violence that continues to plague the region. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies, offering valuable insights into the complex social, economic, and political factors that shaped the history of these organizations and their impact on society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439921982