Student attacks spark new anti-gang effort in Norfolk

Wow, This area is starting to have Baghdad-level murder rates. And it appears that the city response of "denial and ignore" is a miserable failure. Maybe the authorities will finally begin to address these issues meaningfully? Dont hold your breath....

Then you have to get the police involved. You can't blame a school or anything else. You have got to be pro-active if you want to get anything don't and that doesn't mean making one call, keep calling until the problem is resolved.

Not being from the south and never attending a memorial service I was curious is it tradition to charge $5.00 at the doorof the service? Just curious........

You are right Norcom's magnet program is filled with wonderful students, but the non Magnet students do not have the same environment or quality of teachers as the Magnet students. I had two children in that school one in Magnet which probably knows your daughter and one among the general student population. Unfortunately the quality of some of the teachers and the constant disturbances in class were not an environment condusive to a good education. My children would not use the bathrooms ecspecially the male rest rooms because of the drug use and potential violence. As for Parkview, it has its ups and downs, but the last three years the neighborhood was turning around. Then in the last 6 months we saw a surge of teenagers who do not live in the neighborhood hang around our neighborhood some of them wearing gang related colors. These teenagers are here from evening to late at night drinking, smoking pot, starting fights, breaking into cars and numerous other lagal activities. We call police but by the time they respond these kids have moved on or hide. Last week the neighborhood was swarming with police blocking our streets because of home invasions that were taking place in the m

I have to respectfully disagree with some posters....Park View's problems have been decades in the making and they are not the result of IC Norcom.

Secondly, why should a school NOT proceed with attitude that every child can indeed go to college? I would be heartily disappointed if they did not! Do we want to return to the days when children's dreams are shot down and they are told they aren't "good enough"? How many problems has that brought about in years gone by? (Think: Malcolm X, Dr. Ben Carson!)

Thirdly, I have a child in the Math, Science and Technology Magnet at Norcom...the school is doing a fine job of educating her.

Fourthly, sex, drugs, gangs, etc., can be found at EVERY high school in America...not just inner city schools, not just predominently black schools.

Finally, ask yourself what YOU are doing to be a part of the solution! Because griping, complaining, and finger pointing merely make you part of the problem!

FYI most YNIC members are actually good students. The problem is what they do when they go home. Most of these males do not have a healthy relationship with thier fathers. Parents have to care. In order for Norcom to be successful school they have parental involvment. supporting them in sports is good however you need to talk to thier teaches attend open house.. ask for report cards.. email teachers for updates.

I agree with the issues in Parkview. However I disagree with you about MS. Briley. Norcom have set up some wonderful programs to try and keep the kids on track. It's not her fault that when students go to explusion hearing they let the students back. Its the School system fault. Portsmouth public schools expect every child to go to college. This is not going to happen. It's not her fault this kids parents are less than half thier age. she does the best she can with what she has. before you complain go to the school and try to solve the problem. Instead of talking about. Portmouth Public Schools do not address the students needs. Problem students need to go to alternatives schools. Pregant students need to learn parenting skills since they dont learn them at home.

We HAD that curfew problem where I live. I wrote to the City Council (Norfolk) and recieved an email from a Norfolk Police Office in my area. He gave me his office number and cell number and told me to contact him at any hour, and they would be there immediately. It worked in my area, the Officer could not have done any better, and I hope it can work in yours. Give it try, you have nothing to loose. Also, check in the phone book for non-ememrgency police, and call them. Tell them the curfew problem. If that doesn't work then you have a full fledged complaint to file against the City. Trust me they don't want that. One more thing, you can't give up. If you have to make more than one call DO IT! We have to remain pro-active and clean up our neighborhoods. It applies to anyone with the problem. Good luck!

If you don't belive everyone that says he was a gang leader, than take it straight from his mouth. Here is his myspace page:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=287180069

Peanuts admits he is a YNIC member (it's all over the page). And as far as him being with God... He lists himself as an Atheist. So I don't think God is having anything to do with him.

I am shocked that the Norcom Principal Ms. Briley would agree to an event held at the school involving a member of YNIC. She is helping these students idolize these gang members. Funny thing is when my child was hit from behind by one of her fine students she told me there was nothing the school could do. The problems in that school are so bad with violence, drug use and sexual activity that I eventually had to take my kids out of that school. But a gang member is shot and killed all of a sudden she is all about helping........she is part of Norcoms problem. I wish all of you would come out and tour Park View after curfew and see what us residents are talking about. These kids turnover trash cans, throw trash in our streets, break into our cars, walk in the middle of the street and will not move for cars........and when asked to move they will curse at you. Just two weeks ago 4 of these kids stole a car and went joy riding in our neighborhood, by the time it was over the Jeep Cherokee was smashed into a fire hydrant irionically in front of our Crab House where some residents wanted a park............Parkview is tired of these teens....hold these parents accountable.

"I'm just sorry that God took him away before he could learn from his mistakes."

God didn't take him away a gang member killed him. Maybe if Peanut had not been involved in a gang himself, this would have never happened. Just a thought!

I know exactly what I am talking about because I live behind the party house and called the police 3 times myself after seeing 3 "nice" young men in my back yard drinking and peeing on a tree. Their response was to throw the beer bottles at my husband! These kids have absolutely NO respect for anything. And by the way, I don't care what color you are, if you are rich or poor, gay or straight. There is common decency that everyone should have, and these kids don't.

Folks here aren't blaming this victim's parents. They are blaming the murderer. From the information the public has, the victim here was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The victim in this case was a model student, participated in community building and was a member of a ROTC type organization.

But what about the person who shot him. The anger and frustration are being pointed towards this person and his parents.

I personally know this family, and I don't understand how some people can write these kinds of comments when they don't even know anything about them. Peanut's mother is one of the best moms I know. She is raising 6 children by herself. Every one of her children have been involved in sports since they were kids. She is constantly on the go always making it to every game for every child, and also volunteering and working the concession stand. So, to anyone out there that says it's the mom's fault, they're wrong. This mom would do anything for her children.
You can't be with your children 24/7, and as they get older they get minds of their own. They're gonna do what they want to do whether we as parents like it or not. Peanut was a good kid, and I want everyone to know that. He may have made some wrong choices in friends, but we all make mistakes. I'm just sorry that God took him away before he could learn from his mistakes.
This family is grieving, and people deal with their grief in different ways. So to the lady that complained about "Norcom's finest" having a party to celebrate Peanut's life that was taken way to soon-I think you either have no heart, or your a racist.

I agree in two parts....yes it starts at home, these kids have no one there for them, or else the parents are involved with the drugs and the gangs, so these kids grow up thinking it's normal. They don't know any different. If they don't have any adult in their life that can show them anything different, or be there just to talk to them, or care for them, then it can be really hard for them to be reached. They think, if my own family doesn't care, then why trust a teacher, a counselor, a bus driver? They think the whole world is against them and they put a brick wall. Seeing other kids in gangs who are going through the same things, they think gang members are the only ones who can identify with where they are coming from. There is a guy with a gang prevention program in Norfolk, Bill Emery, he used to be Italian Mofia, and has a lot of x-gangsters who can go in and talk to these kids. When they've "been there - done that" I think they can really relate to the kids, show them they understand where they are coming from, and can give them encouragement and support to get out or never get into these gangs. I drive a school bus, I am around these kids everyday.

Wake Up People!! Gangs are in every high school and most middle schools. School Systems do not report them because they want thier schools to appear safe. All you have to do is go on myspace and you will see the members of YNIC.and every other gang. Parents need to spend more time with thier kids and stop running the streets themselves. Some kids in these gangs are good kids just need a postive male rolemodel..Parents stop living in denial when a teacher or cop tell u they are a gang member they are. teachers spend more time with your kids then u..Only god can fix these problems stop looking 2 man..read the bible it contains all the answers.it is not outdated

And Lady saith: "I reside in a VERY UPPER CLASS neighborhood. These kids have just as many problems and issues, pill popping,drug abuse, group sex, cutting,suicide and the list goes on and these are children of professional doctors, lawyer and very success business people."

To which I reply: at best, they will succeed in either destroying their own lives, or killing themselves. Less idiots in the gene pool.

I'm against those upper, lower or middle class youths, who go out and kill, maim or rob innocent people, who are minding their own business, tending to their own affairs, and not hurting anyone.

If they kill or maim each other.....I could care less. Sorry.

You must first realize you have a problem before you can solve a problem. What we don't need is another program. The answer starts at home.
Also, these kids who are involved in gangs should be taken out of the mainstream school and put in teenager jail. They should not put the students who are there to learn at risk. It would be nice if my tax money that is earmarked for education was used for that person and not to raise someone's children. Just think how great our educational system would be if all the money was spent on actual teaching.

If you don't want to learn, don't go to school.

While some parents ARE part of the problem, our culture has empowered the children by giving them imagined "rights" and not holding them accountable. Any behavior exhibited is condoned, and the parents get blamed. If you take the parents ability to regulate children's behaviors, don't expect the parents to have influence over their behavior. The simple fact is that there is no consequence parents can use that children are afraid or or care about happening. "You're grounded" means what? They just ditch school and go where they want. Tell them "No" and they just ignore you. When they're suspended from school, they sleep late and watch TV because they didn't want to be in school anyway. No folks, the problem may lie with SOME parents who'd rather smoke crack, but most parents just don't have any kind of mechanism to control the child's behavior. We need to go to back to parents having the right to put their hands on a belligerent kid if it's needed. If a parent goes too far, hold that parent accountable, don't punish the rest by taking away their ability to punish the kid.

Remember this is just my opinion, but I think it's remiss if you are not including the parent(s) responsibility in raising their kids. Life's lessons begin at home. They always have and they always will. Again, I recommend Cosby's book.

P-Town-Hubert:

There already are curfews.

We have a curfew in Portsmouth, the problem is it isn't being enforced. When the PPD is notified they drive around for a bit, tells the kids to go home, and that is it. There, again, is no accountability.

Officials in Portsmouth were definitely aware of the gang activity in Portsmouth. No doubt about it, go back a few months at the end of July when an innocent 19 yr old was shot 5-7 times, beaten and ran over by an suv (thank God he survived) right across the street from Norcum, the 4 charged were YNIC members as well. On the same night the 4 teens also were responsible for atleast 1 other burglary and a possible home invasion/rape. Then followed the murder of Barry (k.o.). Now another shooting death of a Portsmouth teen, all connected to YNIC. As for "Peanut" not being YNIC...please, get a clue!! Myspace says alot:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=287180069

Start your gang force investigation there, like it should have been done months ago, PPD were made aware!! Citizens, parents...take back your neighborhoods and hold yourself accountable for how YOU are raising YOUR kids. Seriously, throwing a party the day after your son dies, allowing kids to get drunk and parade around the neighborhood like thieves and fools. You make us all look bad!! It's disgusting!! TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY!!

When Slaves were free one of the first things they wanted to establish was family. This was something they were denied and they would do anything to keep their family together. Not only did these people survive, they thrived. They were soldiers, landowners, teachers, etc... They had the right to say "I was wronged and someone should pay". But they didn't, they became Americans (against great odds). I think it is very sad that today, when there are more opportunities than ever, the majority of the black community doesn't value family, hard work or accomplishment at all. They want to rely on the fact that their ancestors were wronged so they are owed. No matter how you came to this country (good or bad) you are here, make the best of it.

We taxpayers have spent hundreds of billions of dollars over the past half century on ”Programs”. They have accomplished absolutely nothing, and all the problems they were supposed to address are many times worse, today.

I propose a curfew. Curfews are legal. All kids sixteen and under should be in their homes doing their homework, and getting sleep to prepare for the next school day. The survival of all societies depends upon its children doing well in school. It would cost a lot less than our worthless ”Programs”.

I propose that we force parents whose kids have been picked up after ten, to come downtown and pick them up. If the parents don’t pick them up, send them to Hoodlum Bootcamp. If we invest in teenage holding cells and Hoodlum Bootcamps instead of counter-productive ”Programs”, the benefits to our society will start appearing, immediately.

I am sorry that you disagree. I can only speak on what I know and what experience. Being a previous female gang leader in Norfolk, I know the game all to well. I do seminars and public speaking throughout Hampton Roads on these very issues. They came to me for one reason, because I know what's going on in the streets. I know how to relate to these kids. Who better to teach than someone who knows. When Norfolk had Alonzo head of a crime prevention program. Citizens went crazy they were afraid, afraid of what? That this black man with a criminal record was going to be making more a year than $90,000 a year. When he was probably the best thing that could have happened to Norfolk. You don't send a paper boy to do a doctors job, you want a person with experience and knowledge.

Sorry, but I disagree with you on almost every issue. It all starts at home, and if there is no home attention of children then they will do as they please. May I suggest to YOU, read Bill Cosby's book "C'mon People", it's a wonderful insight on what parents are not doing as much as it is what they should be doing. If you read it I guarantee you will be educated.

VB.Kids are being put out of school for minor things such as verbal altercation. What are the counselors doing. These schools are so over crowded. Negative behavior feeds off negative behavior. And to the person that said it is Regina Williams fault, how? And to the person who thinks that it is only lower class single parent families. Get a clue. I reside in a VERY UPPER CLASS neighborhood. These kids have just as many problems and issues, pill popping,drug abuse, group sex, cutting,suicide and the list goes on and these are children of professional doctors, lawyer and very success business people. People get it together we are losing our kids to life itself.

I agree with local 100%. I actually work closly with children that are in gangs. Being a formal gang member myself I know first hand how life in the streets are. I had to make a choice I did not want to live my life this way any longer so I did something about. I think that it is non-sense for people to say blame the parents. It is common knowledge and common sense that a person is going to do what they choose no matter what.It is silly to say blame a parent for a 14 year old actions. A person knows right from wrong period. But when a parents discipline their children the system wants to tell them what they can and can not do in discipline matters. But when these kids started to get out of control in the early 90's everyone wants to know what are we going to do. ie. A parent works 9-5 m-f a child commits a crime during those hours or when they are supposed to be in school. How is this the parents fault? The parent is out trying to make a living for the family and the child is out acting a fool. Also we have to look at the school system nowadays when kids get into trouble the first thing they want to do is put the kid out of school and send them to an alternative school like CEL in

I don't think most of the black community read or respect Bill Cosby. They think he is too white.

Simply hire bounty hunters to bring them in...and ship them off to prisons with no parole. Or maybe some of our hero crack shots coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan could be used to make them disappear. The only way to rid this cancer in our society is to simply cut it out, permanently. It's either them or us.