Gang Leader For a Day

Venkatesh tells us that the strongest relationship he formed during his time in the projects was the one with J.T—a relationship that grew more intimate when Venkatesh helped to save the life of one of J.T.’s friends. One afternoon, Venkatesh is hanging out outside J.T.’s building when there’s a drive-by shooting. Price, J.T.’s head of security is hit and falls to the ground. Despite the danger, Venkatesh and some other men help to drag him inside. In the lobby, J.T. tells him to go upstairs but instead he asks about Price; J.T. confides that he needs to go to the hospital. Venkatesh immediately suggests calling an ambulance that J.T. reminds him won’t come. Instead, he asks to borrow Venkatesh’s car; Venkatesh agrees and Price makes it to the ER. J.T. is worried about Price and thanks Venkatesh for his help. Price eventually makes a full recovery. The shooting appears to be a collaboration by two rival gangs. J.T. is now preparing for war.

A few days later, T-Bone calls and tells him that J.T. has been promoted. He invites Venkatesh to the next regional meeting of the Black Kings. T-Bone tells Venkatesh that he plans to stay in the gang for another two years—so he can save for college and buy a house—and then get out.