Fussin', Cussin', and Discussin' among South Los Angeles Juvenile Gangs (Studies in Transgression)

This groundbreaking book, the result of a unique friendship between John Quicker and Akil Batani-Khalfani (aka Bird), opens the door on the missing record of South Los Angeles juvenile gangs. The authors, using a macro historical analysis, sort through political and economic factors to explain the nature of gang creation, paving the way for the rise of the infamous Crips and Bloods.

Before Crips mines a critical archive, utilizing direct interviews with original gang members as well as theory and literature reviews, to contextualize gang life and gang formation. The authors discuss (and fuss and cuss about) topics ranging from the criminal economy and conceptions of masculinity to racial and gendered politics and views of violence. Their insider/outsider approach not only illuminates gang values and organization, but what they did and why, and how they grew in a backdrop of inequality and police brutality that came to a head with the 1965 Watts Rebellion.

The book provides an essential understanding of early South Los Angeles gang life, explaining what has remained constant, what has changed, and the roots of the violence that continues. It shows how structural marginality transformed hang-out street groups of non-White juveniles into gangs, shedding light on a crucial aspect of the region's history that has often been overlooked.

Through their collaborative effort, Quicker and Batani-Khalfani have produced a work that not only illuminates the complexities of gang formation and dynamics, but also serves as a testament to the power of cross-cultural understanding and the potential for positive change. By delving into the lived experiences of those at the heart of this story, they offer a nuanced and insightful perspective on a crucial social phenomenon that continues to shape the landscape of urban communities.

Overall, Before Crips stands as a groundbreaking contribution to the understanding of gang dynamics, offering a comprehensive and empathetic exploration of a crucial aspect of South Los Angeles' history. Through its rigorous research and thoughtful analysis, the book challenges readers to confront the systemic issues that have given rise to the enduring problem of gang violence, and to consider the paths forward towards a more just and equitable society.

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