The leader of a gang was the career choice that landed Andre Norman in jail. Death, destruction and crime were a common part of everyday life. As one of the top gang leaders in the Massachusetts prison system, he was taking a road that led nowhere but down. This is the same road that SO many young people are continuing to choose. Why? Money, power, respect and acceptance are thrilling draws to a criminal life. After being incarcerated, Norman decided the gang lifestyle was not going to help him achieve any real life goals. Change was the choice that Norman made and he believes all gang members stuck in the revolving door of prison life can also
make that change if they understand how and have enough support to work out the kinks along the way. While consulting cities, university classes and government agencies on gangs and how to change the streets is a big part of Norman's work, he also works directly with gang members and prison staff in direct contact with gang members.
Tufts University, national foundations and potentially Harvard University (in the future) have all learned the inner workings of gang membership and how to educate, train and change the life path these gangs from Norman. The "proven risk" is often a huge topic
in his lectures and talks. The "proven risk" is the toughest of all gang members who is mixed in with the less violent youth in the prison system.
