TAKIN' BACK THE 'HOOD

By Carol Eisom

1993 Copyright Library Of Congress

(713) 437-2673
18O6 Turtle Creek Drive
Missouri City, Texas 77459
c. Copyright, 1993 by Carol Eisom

All rights, including the right if reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, are reserved
under INTERNATIONAL and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

Caution: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that "TAKIN' BACK THE 'HOOD",
being fully protected under the Copyright laws of the United States, the British Empire,
including the Dominion of Canada and all other countries of the Universal Copyright and
Berne Conventions, is subject to royalty. All rights including professional, amateur, motion
picture, recitation, lecturing, public reading, radio and television broadcasting and the
rights of translation into foreign languages, are strictly reserved. Particular emphasis is laid on
the question of readings, permission for which must be secured in writing. All inquires should
be addressed to Carol Eisom playwright, l8O6 Turtle Creek Drive, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

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 Cast Of Characters

Rev. Franklin Bradshaw

Cora Bradshaw

Anita Jackson

Emmitt Jackson

Mother Wheatley/Guest #2

Grim Reaper/Uncle Jimmy

Brother Wallace/J.T./Guest # l

Sis. Simpson/Lisa/Grandma

Scar/Guest # 3

Brandy/Dee

Travis

Reverend Bradshaw and his wife Cora are sitting in the living
room when the Reverend's reading is disturbed by the loud drown

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of the latest rap tune. As Cora discusses their days of youth,
when Anita Jackson rings their doorbell. She is with her son
Emmitt.

Rev. Bradshaw: All I want to know is why they have to play their
music so loud. (Throwing down the newspaper.)

Cora: That's the way they like it... I guess? Remember what our
parents thought of us?

Reverend: But we weren't like that...

Cora: Maybe not to us, but to our parents we were just as bad...
Remember, that night of our prom when you rented that hotel
suite...

Reverend: Yea well...ah, I mean, that was a long time ago...

when I was out in the world...before I found the Lord.

Cora: Well, it was a very special time for me... we were so

young and in love...

Reverend: Yea, not like these kids today... now it's wam bam
thank you ma'am.

Cora: If I remember correctly, you were in pretty much a hurry

too, that night.

Reverend: Now Cora, it was special for me too...

Cora: Yes, I remember how special. (Laughing.) That reminds

me, Anita and Emmitt are going with us to our crime prevention
meeting tonight.

Reverend: Cora, would you stop kidding around. You know I haven't
indulged in worldly delights since I started preaching the word
years ago.

Cora: Oh really... and just how do you explain two grown kids?

Reverend: Cora, you know what I'm saying.

Cora: O.K. (Laughing.) I'm just kidding. (The doorbell rings.)

That must be Anita. (Cora goes to the door.)

Cora: Sister Jackson, Emmitt. Please come in. Hello Emmitt...

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Emmitt: Hello, Mrs. Bradshaw...

Reverend: Hello Sister Jackson, Emmitt...

Anita: Cora, Reverend...

Cora: Anita are you alright? You look shaken...

Reverend: Sister Jackson, please have a seat.

Anita: Thank you. (They all sit.) I guess Cora told you, I'm
here because my son Emmitt here, is being pressured to join
a gang...

Reverend: I'm glad you're able join us, tonight. We're just
waiting for Sgt. Smith, and we can leave. Son?

Emmitt: Yes sir.

Reverend: What did the gang members say to you?

Emmitt: Not much to begin with... first, they took my jacket

and then they took my shoes...

Anita: And Reverend I paid l5O dollars for those shoes!

Reverend: Why?! What you need to get him, are some of those
Keds" shoes we used to wear when we were kids! Nobody will
steal them!

Cora: Reverend! I think what the Reverend means is that, well...

maybe you shouldn't invest so much money in shoes for Emmitt
and it might not be such a temptation for gang members to steal
them...

Reverend: Cora, you know very well that's not what I mean...
I have you to know, I was happy to have those Keds!

Cora: Reverend...or maybe Emmitt could work after school next

time, and save his own money for shoes. It'll teach him
responsibility...

Reverend: I wish our son would have come home, talking about
saving money for a pair of $l5O.OO dollar shoes... He better
be trying to save his money so he can get out of my house!

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That'll teach him responsibility!

Cora: Reverend!

Anita: Maybe, I shouldn't have bothered you with this?

Cora: No, Sister Jackson... Reverend!

Reverend: No, I apologize Sister... you came to the right place.

Please go on...

Sister Jackson: Well yesterday a shot came through our window.

And I'm not afraid for myself as much as my son... I just don't
know what to do!

Cora: Sister Jackson, that's awful... I'm sure the Sergeant will
be able to help us.

Anita: I sure hope so. (There's a knock at the door.)

Cora: That's probably the Sergeant. (She opens the door.) Sgt.
Smith, please come in.

Sgt. Smith: How's everyone...

Reverend: Sergeant, we really appreciate your coming to our meeting

tonight.

Sgt. Smith: I'm glad I could be of service to you. I just wish

more people were as interested as you are in putting an end
to violence and crime.

Cora: I think organizing a neighborhood watch, will make our

community alot safer. I'd like to talk to you about some ideas
the Ladies Missionary has for starting a neighborhood patrol.

Reverend: Cora, I don't think I like the idea of your patrolling

the streets at night.

Sgt. Smith: As long as Mrs. Bradshaw is with a group of three

or more, she'll be pretty safe. After I've briefed you with
some guidelines, you'll know exactly what to do in case of an
emergency.

Cora: Oh excuse me. Anita, Emmitt... I'd like you to meet Sgt.
Smith?

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Anita: Hello.

Reverend: Sister Jackson, the Sergeant here will be helping us

to organize a neighborhood watch for our community.

Anita: Oh that would be wonderful...

Cora: Sergeant, Anita's been having problems with Emmitt being

pressured to join a gang.

Sgt. Smith: Ma'am we're going to do everything we can to make

your neighborhood safe as possible. Emmitt may not realize it
but gang involvement often stems from other social problems,
like alcohol or drug addiction.

Anita: Sergeant, is there anything I can do, as an individual?

Sgt. Smith: Just report any crimes in your neighborhood. It's

important that everyone in the community work with the police
in fighting crime.

Cora: Sergeant, there seems to be alot of crime at the Mall,

especially around the holidays.

Sgt. Smith: Most criminals know people begin shopping just after
Thanksgiving. And when they're not there, they could be watching
your home. Alot of criminals know when the owners aren't home.

Anita: You can't be serious.

Sgt. Smith: You'd be surprised, just how resourceful criminals

can be. That's why it important, that when you're leaving home
or the mall, that those areas are well lit.

Cora: Whenever I leave the store, I try to have my car key out
and ready.

Sgt. Smith: It's also important that you check under your car
and in the back seat, even though you've locked it.

Cora: Then lock the doors...

Sgt. Smith: Always drive with your doors locked and if you're
hit, drive to a gas station or fast food restaurant and exchange
information.

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Anita: I never realized there were so many things to be careful
of.

Sgt. Smith: Believe me Mrs. Jackson, there is. Some drivers

try to leave space in front of them on the highway so they can't
be blocked in.

Cora: I remember hearing something about a lady who had her

car stolen when two guys blocked her in on the freeway.

Emmitt: On the freeway?!

Sgt. Smith: That's right son. In those situations, it's always

best to give up your car. We've caught kids in stolen cars with
AR-l5 assault weapons in the back seat.

Reverend: And with a weapon like that, they won't hesitate to

blow your head off.

Anita: That's why we need stronger hand gun policies.

Sgt. Smith: That... and ban all assault weapons which includes
a of legislation that would release the records of violent
juvenile offenders. Guns are the number one health issue...

Reverend: We better get over to the church. I think a lot of

our members would be interested in hearing this.

Cora: Emmitt, if you'd like to stay here while we're meeting,

it would be fine...

Emmitt: Thank you Mrs. Bradshaw...

Anita: Are you sure it's O.K? I didn't want to leave him at
home. I was afraid one of those gang members might show up.

Cora: I'm sure it'll be fine. Anyway, we won't be gone that

long. Emmitt, there's food in the kitchen, just help yourself.
(The Reverend, Cora, Anita and Sgt. Smith exit. Emmitt gets
on the phone and calls Brandy.)

Emmitt: Brandy, it's me.... I'm fine. You? (Scar and J.T. knock
at the door.) Brandy, I'll call you back.

Scar: Emmitt man, I know you're in there! I saw you come in

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here with your old lady! Open up! (Emmitt opens the door.)

Music begins "Gettin'Funky" as Scar enters with J.T. Scar raps

while they push Emmitt around. The rap ends.

Emmitt: What are you doing here?!

Scar: I was worried about you.

Emmitt: So you followed me?!

Scar: Yea, the fellas have been asking about you. So I wanted
to make sure you're O.K. You are O.K?

Emmitt: Yea, I'm O.K.

Scar: Good, the fellas wanted to make sure your Mama wasn't
running her mouth off to the police about our gang. She's not
is she?

Emmitt: Look Scar, yesterday a bullet came through our window.

Did you have anything to do with it?

Scar: Hey man, not me but I don't know about the other fellas.

Emmitt: So you did know about it.

Scar: Look man, if they really wanted to shoot you, believe

me, they would have. So what have you decided about the gang?

Emmitt: I haven't. I'm still thinking about it.

Scar: Thinking about it! I know you don't want me to tell the
fellas that! (J.T.'s beeper goes off and he goes to use the
phone.)

Emmitt: Look man, the other night you could have hit my Mom.
(Grabbing Scar.) Bullets don't care who they kill!

Scar: Hey man, raise up off me. Look, I'll tell them you'll
let them know next week! Man, what are you doing here anyway?
So, this is the good Reverend's house.

Emmitt: I'm just waiting here until they return. I wanted to

make sure my Mama got home safe. (Scar lights up a joint.) Hey
man, are you crazy?! This ain't my house!

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Scar: Relax, man nobody's here.

Emmitt: Look man, maybe you'd better leave...

Scar: I wonder how many points I can get for smoking marijuana
in the Reverend's house?

Emmitt: I said put that out!

Scar: Chill out, prayer meeting just started. Here take a hit.
Take it!

Emmitt: Then will you leave?

Scar: Yea, I'll leave. (Emmitt takes a puff then starts

coughing.) It's good stuff man...

Emmitt: O.K now I hit it. I'm telling you man, they'll be back
soon!

Scar: Alright, I'm leaving but don't forget what I said. You
got one week to decide or that next bullet might have your name
on it!

(Scar and J.T. exit. Emmitt fans smoke as the Reverend, Cora
and Anita return.)

Cora: We're back. (Entering.)

Anita: Emmitt? Are you alright? What's that smell?

Reverend: I thought I saw someone leave here.

Emmitt: It was Scar...

Anita: Scar?! Emmitt, you know you weren't supposed to have

guests.

Reverend: It's alright. Son, who's Scar?

Emmitt: He's a gang member.

Anita: A gang member? What was he doing here?

Emmitt: He followed me here. He wanted to know if I decided

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to join the gang.

Cora: Oh dear Lord... I'm going to call the police.

Reverend: Wait Cora, we just can't report him for stopping by.

Cora: He's a gang member, isn't that enough.

Reverend: Cora, if the police pick him up now, he'll be out

in 24 hours.

Anita: But he's pressuring my son to join that gang. Who knows
what will happen if he refuses.

Reverend: I understand your concern but we need more than that.

If the police pick him up tonight he'll be back on the streets
tomorrow.

Cora: Listen, you and Emmitt will just have to stay here for
tonight.

Sister Jackson: Oh I couldn't...

Reverend: Nonsense, we have a spare room. That's if, Emmitt

doesn't mind the sofa...

Sister Jackson: If you're sure it's alright...

Cora: It's fine. If only we could get more information out of

them, like their next hit or something...

Reverend: Maybe we can get more information... Son, will you

be seeing this Scar again?

Anita: Reverend, I know you're not thinking about making my

son some kind of the spy! This is not the movies! This is real
life!

Emmitt: Mama, it's O.K. Reverend they gave me until next week
to decide what I was going to do.

Anita: No, it not O.K. My son could be killed!

Cora: Anita, I don't see where he has much choice. If Emmitt

doesn't join the gang they'll still be threats on his life.

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Emmitt: She's right Mama. Emmitt said the next bullet might
have my name on it.

Anita: Oh God no! (Cora tries to console her.)

Reverend: Son, are you sure you can do this?

Emmitt: Yes sir.

Reverend: Well then, I'll call Sgt. Smith and let him know what
we're planning to do so he can give you some sort of back up.

Anita: No, I won't have it. I'm not letting my boy risk his
life.

Cora: Anita, it'll be alright.

Anita: No it won't be! Cora, my boy's a good boy! He's never

done anything to anyone! Cora, why my boy?!

Cora: Anita, the scriptures tell us, lean not to our own
understanding. The Lord didn't say the way would be easy.

Anita: But not my boy! He's the only one I have left. I already
lost one baby!

Cora: You're not going to lose him. God protects his children.
It's going to be alright.

Anita: No... no... (moaning)

Cora: Anita, everything's going be alright. Come on, I'll show

you the room... (Cora and Sister Jackson exit. Emmitt sits
silent.)

Reverend: Son, are you O.K?

Emmitt: Yea, I'm fine.

Reverend: Worried about your Mama?

Emmitt: Yea.

Reverend: Sister Jackson will be fine. You'll see.

Emmitt: Reverend, I don't want anything to happen to her. I've

12
had to be man of the house since Pops died.

Reverend: How old were you?

Emmitt: Five.

Reverend: Look's like you've done a pretty good job so far.

Emmitt: Come on... Reverend, I'm just trying to understand why

things have to be so hard?

Reverend: They really don't have to be. Emmitt, when you get
my age you'll realize peer pressure really isn't such a big
thing... not compared to owning a home and or raising a family.

Emmitt: I can believe that.

Reverend: Personally, I like the way you kids dress, times have
changed but unfortunately, this grunge look just happens to
be the same styles a lot of gangs are wearing.

Emmitt: Yea, I know...

Reverend: Emmitt, today people are judged by the way they look
or the people they hang with. I'm a Reverend but if I came out
in throngs and a T-shirt would people take me seriously?

Emmitt: Probably not...

Reverend: Emmitt, it's O.K. to have freedom of expression just

keep in mind when you enter the job market that people will
looking at the way you dress. So if you want to be taken
seriously, dress appropriately. If I were wearing the grunge
look and the first thing from my mouth was "Yo Baby", not only
would the manager have a low opinion of me but I wouldn't get
the job... And there comes a time when we all need work. Oh
you're young now, but one day you'll be my age. But what you
need to think about, is that one day you'll have children.
Products of yourself, harping on your every word, imitating
your every action. Now, what do you think would happen if you
came face to face with a thirteen year old packing a gun. One
that's even bigger, stronger and meaner than you could ever
be?

Emmitt: I'm going to die, I guess...

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Reverend: But you don't have to die, Emmitt. Not if we adults
do everything in our power to protect our young. And I mean
everything. Today everyone needs to be a role model. And adults
have to take up the slack when the parents aren't at home.

Emmitt: Take up the slack?

Reverend: Emmitt, someone very wise once told me, it takes a

community to raise a child.

Emmitt: But how can we do all this? The problem seems so big.

Reverend: But it's not. Not really. Not if we can provide teens
with some kind of incentive, activities that prove there are
other alternatives to drugs and crime.

Emmitt: You mean, activities like dancing and aerobics...the

way adults release their stress.

Reverend: It's an option... Emmitt, we know everyone has bad

days but it's important that we learn how to deal with aggression
in constructive ways like by boxing, with basketball or karate
or even hobbies. There's always a better way to release stress
than by lashing out. You know Emmitt... there was a day when
people died simply because of the color of their skin, now
kids are dying because of the color they're wearing. So believe
me, son you did the right thing by coming here. Kids need to
know they'll be protected by adults and we're gong to do
everything we can to help both you and Sister Jackson.

Emmitt: I know...

Reverend: Now you just stretch out on that couch and get some
rest.

Emmitt: Reverend?

Reverend: Yes son?

Emmitt: Thanks.

Reverend: It was nothing. Goodnight Emmitt...

Emmitt: Goodnight.... (The Reverend dims the lights just enough

to see the Grim Reaper, thunder rolls as he does his dance of
death. Emmitt wrestles in his sleep. Thunder rolls again as

14
death gives a loud boisterous laugh. As the music fades, Death
"claps on" the lights.

Death: Clap on! (He claps his hands once then walks to the table
and sits.) Emmitt! Emmitt Jackson wake up! It's time for your
interview! (Emmitt wakes, breathing hard.)

Emmitt: Huh... who are you? What are you doing here?

Death : I'm taking your application for death...

Emmitt: Application for death but I don't want to die. I'm only
fifteen.

Death: And I'm an equal opportunity employer. You'd be surprised

the number of people who choose their own method of death.

Emmitt: This is crazy! I'm out of here. (Emmitt walks away but
death stands and deaths powers walk him back and sits him down
in the chair.) This is crazy...

Death: Is it? We've made a lot of advances in technology lately.

Emmitt: I must be dreaming. There's no place like home. There's

no place like home... (Clicking his heels 3 times.)

Death: Now, let's get started... here's the categories. You

can have a heart ailment, like a heart attack or stroke. (Emmitt
grabs his chest.)

Emmitt: No! Please the pain! NO!

Death: No pain! No gain! (Laughing.) O.K. how about a contagious

disease like aids or meningitis? I can make it easy on you.
(Out steps Brandy, Emmitt's girlfriend.)

Emmitt: Brandy, what are you doing here?

Brandy: I don't know. All I know is I want to be with you, now!

(She dips Emmitt.)

Emmitt: But what about protection?

Brandy: I'm on the pill... And I've been a good girl, I take
it everyday. Besides I'm at that safe sex cycle...

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Emmitt: Who are you? Hey, you're not Brandy! (Emmitt pushes
her away.)

Death: That's what I get for hiring a two bit actor, from one
of those second rate touring companies! Get Out! (She screams
and runs.) Get out! (She screams again.)

Emmitt: Look, as much as I appreciate what you're trying to

do here... well to be honest, I'd rather let my death be a
surprise...

Death: Listen, I understand, you're a little nervous about all

this, everyone is... and if you need more time, we can give
you emphezyma.

Emmitt: Emphezyma?

Death: You'd be sick most of the time, but you could drag out
another 2O years, if you're lucky...

Emmitt: Are you wacked?

Death Or we could keep it a simple shooting or stabbing. You're

in a gang aren't you?

Emmitt: I haven't joined yet...

Death: Join! That makes my job a lot easier!

Emmitt: Look, I don't want to die!

Death: Most people don't... Look, why don't I give you some
help?

Emmitt: Ah... thanks but no thanks...

Death: It says here... you smoke crack?

Emmitt: I only did it a couple of times.

Death: I know... I know, that's the way it always starts...

Emmitt: I can stop at anytime!

Death: That's not what my records say. Judging here, you'd be

an excellent candidate for cardiac arrest. Yes, we could have

16
you experience a mass coronary heart attack before your l9th
birthday!

Emmitt: When will this nightmare end?!

Death: I'll make a deal with you... Join the gang and I'll see
what I can do to arrange a driveby shooting... Wait, darn that
slot's been filled by one of your cousins.

Emmitt: A member of my family's going to be shot?! Who?!

Death: Sorry. Our client's information is confidential.

Emmitt: This is some kind of joke isn't it? My mother got you
to do this to stop me from joining Bobo's gang.

Death: I'm afraid not but I like your sense of humor. Tell you
what I'll do... I can hire you under contract as a spreader
of contagious diseases...

Emmitt: I don't think so...

Death: A simple stabbing, at least?

Emmitt: This is crazy! People picking their own death!

Death: Is it really that crazy? People make these choices

everyday...

Emmitt: How do you see that?

Death: Think about it? The chances of being killed, are much
higher if you're already involved in gang activity...

Emmitt: I know but.... ah...

Death: Smoking cigarettes gives you cancer.... Alcohol leads

to liver disease and unprotected sex... aids and herpes. You
see it's all related.

Emmitt: I see your point.

Death: Anytime you violate your body with drugs... you make
my job alot easier. So you see, applying for death really does
make sense because people are doing it everyday. So what have
you decided?

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Emmitt: Surprise me O.K?

Death: Oh I will...

Emmitt: Look, what I mean is, I'm not ready to die. Isn't there
anything I can do?

Death: Exactly, what would you be willing to do?

Emmitt: Anything!

Death: ANYTHING?!

Emmitt: ANYTHING!!!

Death: O.K. Emmitt, since I'm in a good mood, tell you what
I'm going to do...I'm going to let you play... "Bet For Your
Life!"

Emmitt: ...bet for your life?

Death: Emmitt, here are the rules... You bet against me,
Death...that you can guess the careers of our three mystery
guests. For each correct answer you'll get thirty years added
to your life span! Emmitt, are you ready to play?!

Emmitt: ...I guess so...

Death: Emmitt, here we go... Guys come on out! (Music begins

and three thugs in black come out dancing and sit on the sofa.)

Death: Guest number one, would you give your first clue?

Guest # l: I make millions of dollars each year.

Death: Emmitt, what's his job?

Emmitt: He's a businessman, like Donald Trump? (Thugs buzz.)

Death: I'm sorry Emmitt, that's incorrect. Clue number two?

Guest # l: Most people could live without me...

Emmitt: Ah... the I.R.S? (Thugs buzz.) The F.B.I? (Thugs buzz.)

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Death: Absolutely wrong! And the third clue?

Guest # l: I can drive a person to bankruptcy...(Flirts with

Death's Lady.)

Emmitt: A drug dealer? (Thugs make bell noises.)

Death: Congratulations Emmitt, you've just added 3O years to

your life span! Mystery guest number two?

Guest # 2: I meet thousands of people each year...(Again flirts

with Death's lady.)

Emmitt: Ah... a politician. (Thugs buzz.)

Death: Wrong! Next clue! (Death sees Guest 2 flirting.)

Guest # 2: Sometimes the lives of people are in my hands...(Still

flirting.)

Emmitt: A doctor? (Thugs buzz.)

Death: Close but no cigar! Next clue!

Guest # 2: My meetings are very, very, very serious...(Last

flirt with Death's lady.)

Emmitt: A police officer? (Thugs make bell noises.)

Death: See something you like?! (To Guest 2) Get Out! (Guest
2 runs out screaming) Emmitt, you've won again, adding a total
of 6O years to your life. Now this is our bonus round. Emmitt
are you going to take what you have or risk it all in our bonus
round?

The Audience: Keep the years! Keep the years!

Death: Emmitt, what's your decision?

Emmitt: I'm going to go for it Grim Reaper!

Death: Guest number three?

Guest # 3: I don't discriminate, I work with kids of all ages...

Emmitt: A teacher? (Thugs buzz.)

19
Death: Wrong, next clue!

Guest # 3: My job is not something I like but it pays the bills.

Emmitt: A hit man? (Thugs buzz.)

Death: Oh Emmitt, wrong again but I do like your style! Emmitt,

this is your third and final clue. You must answer correctly
or lose your life. Guest number three?

Guest# 3: I see families lives devastated everyday....("Jeopardy"

theme song begins.)

Emmitt: A...ah... (Jeopardy song ends.)

Death: Emmitt, we need an answer...

Emmitt: Ah... is it... is it...

Death: Yes...

Emmitt: An Undertaker? (Thugs make bell noises.)

Death: You are correct sir! Adding a total of 9O years to your

life span! And Emmitt, for winning our bonus round, I'm going
to tell you how to keep those years. Lisa!

Lisa: Emmitt, we know no one lives forever...

Death: And why would they want to?!

Lisa: But here's some things you can do to lead a longer healthier
life. Emmitt, first abstinence is the only birth control 100%
percent effective in protection against sexually transmitted
diseases. It's good to use condoms but remember they can break.

Emmitt: I never thought of that...

Brandy: By exercising and not smoking cigarettes or crack, you

can greatly reduce your chances of cancer or heart attack.

Emmitt: Believe me after this experience, I'll never smoke again.

Brandy: Eliminating alcohol from your diet, eliminates any

chances of liver disease.

20
Emmitt: And by eating more vegetables, I can lower my cholesterol
and chances of heart disease.

Death: Now you're catching on!

Emmitt: I didn't realize there was so much to think about.

Death: The truth is, you really don't have anything to think
about in not doing drugs. But if you're thinking about joining
a gang, you really do have something to think about. And if
you're doing drugs... you weren't thinking to begin with.

Emmitt: You're right, we really do have choices...

Death: And it's up to us to think for ourselves and make the

right decisions.

Emmitt: Well, I never thought I'd be thanking the Grim Reaper.

Death: Forget it kid, just doing my job... Now get out of here
and I don't want to see you again for 9O years.

Emmitt: It's a deal Grim... I promise! (They shake hands.)

Death: You better! Or my friends and I will be

waiting...(Everyone laughs and Emmitt runs out.)

Fade to Black

Days later there is a meeting at the Reverend's house with

several members of the church.

Reverend: It's our responsibility as parents to take back our

neighborhoods from criminals and make them safe again for our
children. And we're going to have to work together with the
police to do it. The floor's now open for any comments or
suggestions.

Mother Wheatley: I just don't understand why some of today's

young people are so hostile.

Brother Wallace: It's the drugs, our young people are killing

21
themselves with drugs.

Cora: It's not just drugs. Some of these children are from broken
homes. They drop out of school and can't find work so they turn
to drugs and crime. With all the violence on T.V. it's no wonder
young people are so easily influenced.

Brother Wallace: Well that's all fine and dandy but the real
responsibility falls on the parents. Parents are trying to be
friends to their children, rather than parents. My son thinks
I'm too hard on him but I told him, I don't have to be your
friend!

Mother Wheatley: In my day we didn't spare the rod. And it didn't

matter who caught you doing wrong, any parent could whip your
behind.

Reverend: If you lay a hand on these kids today, you'll be

hearing from child protection...

Brother Wallace: And some of these kids even have the numbers
memorized.

Sister Simpson: Well we just can't let them take over. Things
have gotten so bad, people can't walk the streets anymore.

Cora: Their making us prisoner's in our own neighborhoods. We

can't even get to church because drug dealers and buyers are
blocking the neighborhood.

Mother Wheatley: I'm not going to roll over an play dead! I'm
going to fight!

Brother Wallace: Amen Sister!

Reverend: Does anyone have any suggestions?

Cora: Maybe we could sponsor a play? One that discourages kids

from drugs and gang violence... I know a playwright that might
do it. Her name's Carol something...I can't remember her last
name.

Uncle Jimmy: But how will we fund it?

Reverend: Good question...

22
Cora: It shouldn't be a matter of money. The question comes
down to "just how much do we care about our kids?" Aren't they
worth it?

Brother Wallace: Yea, we could use the money we raise to kick off a
building fund for a new gymnasium. And we could renovate the
parks we already have.

Reverend: And with a stage play touring the city and raising
money for a gymnasium... our youth have got to know we care.
But we need to do more.

Cora: The Reverend's right, we're going to have to take things

into our own hands to stop drug trafficking. Maybe, we could
form some sort of protest march in front of the church. Atleast
we could get the attention of the media.

Sister Simpson: Well, I don't know Reverend... This might be

a little too dangerous. What if the gangs try to retaliate?

Brother Wallace: Sister, I don't care! I want my children to

be able to play without worrying about driveby shootings!

Reverend: I think everyone here is aware there are risks but

we have to start somewhere.

Cora: The Reverend's right. I'm fed up with living in fear.

We're going to have to send a message to criminals, that we're
going to fight back against drugs and crime.

Reverend: Alright, I need someone to make a motion that we hold

a protest march against drugs and crime...

Brother Wallace: I make a motion...

Cora: Second...

Reverend: O.K. then, what I need everyone here to do, is get

out and meet your neighbors. Put the word around and let everyone
know what's happening. And don't forget to make signs.

Fade to Black

It's Saturday at the Reverend's house. Members are marching

into the audience. Mother Wheatley enters to take a rest.

23
All: Watch your back, if you're smoking crack. Or selling drugs
to neighborhood thugs. If you're in a gang, get ready to bang!
'Cause we're saving our 'hood from crime and no good. We're
going to watch and we're going to tell! So you driveby shooters
can go to JAIL! REPEAT: (Whisper) Watch your back, if you're
smoking crack. Or selling drugs to neighborhood thugs. If you're
in a gang, get ready to bang! 'Cause we're saving our 'hood
from crime and no good. We're going to watch and we're going
to tell! So you driveby shooters can go to JAIL! (Mother Wheatley
enters. Cora comes to the door to help her.)

Mother Wheatley: Aright, baby... Mama Wheatley ain't got so

old that she can't make it into the house.

Cora: Mother Wheatley: Come on in... How's it going out there.

(They go to the kitchen and sit.)

Mother Wheatley: Baby, those young folks is marching up a storm,

bless their hearts...

Cora: Then maybe we'll get some new members on Sunday.

Mother Wheatley: Baby, you think you got enough food there?
How many folks you trying to feed?

Cora: As many folks willing to march with us Mother Wheatley...

Mother Wheatley: Well, if folks get word of all this food in

here, you might feed half the city!

Cora: That's what we're hoping our "weapon buy back" block party,
will do on Saturday...

Mother Wheatley: How's that coming?

Cora: Pretty good... We're got flyers on every door and window
in the neighborhood. The Reverend even managed to persuade the
Mayor to put a liquor ban on the neighborhood.

Mother Wheatley: Thank you Jesus... And to think a few weeks

ago I had my purse snatched. Now look where we've come...

Cora: Oh Mother Wheatley, I'm sorry... I didn't know. You weren't

hurt were you?

Mother Wheatley: No baby, I know the boy...

24
Cora: Mother Wheatley, you say you know who took your purse?

Mother Wheatley: Baby, I done lived in this here neighborhood

so long, I know everybody and their Mama's!

Cora: Mother Wheatley I think we should let the police know

what happened...

Mother Wheatley: Baby, I let the Lord fight my battles. I'm

too old to be fightin' folks in court. I remember Brother Johnson
was suing some folks, and he passed away the day before it
was going to court!

Cora: But Mother Wheatley, if you know who the...

Mother Wheatley: I gave that problem to the Lord, Cora Mae...

and I want you to leave it there.

Cora: Yes Mother Wheatley.

Mother Wheatley: I know you young people don't understand, us

old folks got our own way of doing things.

Cora: Well, I know the scripture's say, lean not to our own
understanding...

Mother Wheatley: That's right baby and I'm a witness to it.

That last boy who stole my purse, it wasn't two weeks before
I saw him arrested on that show... what's that show... now wait
a minute... City Over... no, "City Under Seize".

Cora: Mother Wheatley... (Laughing. The other's enter chanting.)

All: Watch your back, if you're smoking crack. Or selling drugs

to neighborhood thugs. If you're in a gang, get ready to bang!
'Cause we're saving our 'hood from crime and no good. We're
going to watch and we're going to tell! So you driveby shooters
can go to JAIL!

Reverend: Just in time...

Cora: Everything will be ready in a few minutes.

Reverend: Alright, everybody have a seat. Now before we eat,

I want to thank everyone, for the wonderful job they've done

25
with the march. Everyone's really been working hard, to get
the word out. I just want to remind you to tell your friends
and neighbors, that even if they can't join the march, they
can still help us, if when they see a crime... write it down.
Get the license plate number and mail it to the police. It can
even be anonymous. A lot of dealers sell drugs for the money
but we as parents need to stress education as the only way out
of social problems like drug addition and the key to wealth
and success.

Mother Wheatley: Open your eyes to see, your ears to listen

and your mind to learn!

Cora: Right! Don't pass up millions in grants and scholarships

by dropping out of school.

Uncle Jimmy: 'Cause when you finish college, you got a million
dollar education. With a college degree, any business can make
you a million dollars.

Sis. Simpson: And doctor's and lawyer's can make millions too,
even sports figures can make a millions.

Mother Wheatley: Our children have a chance to do something

better with their lives and we want them to have something better
but they can't do it without a good education.

Cora: And we have one of the best education systems in the world.
And that makes our principals and educators priceless.

Sis. Simpson: And America is still the only place where people
can still become millionaires.

Uncle Jimmy: And you can believe, anyone on the streets, doing
drugs, carrying weapons or involved in crime would change their
life in a flash, for a million bucks.

At that moment a speeding car squeals by. Several shots are

fired.

Reverend: Everybody get down! (Screams are heard as members

scramble to the floor. A brick with a note are thrown through
the window.)

Brother Wallace: Reverend, this brick was thrown through the

window. (He hands it to the Reverend, who opens and reads it.)

26
Reverend: You'll be the next one to die...(The door opens and
Emmitt falls to the floor. He's been shot.)

Anita: Emmitt! Oh my Lord! Emmitt! (She runs to Emmitt.)

Reverend: Cora, call an ambulance! (Cora goes to the phone and

dials.)

Anita: Oh Emmitt, I'm sorry... I knew I shouldn't have let you

get involved... Reverend, I told you this would happen!!!

Emmitt: Mama....

Anita: Emmitt.? Yes baby...

Emmitt: It's not the Reverend's fault...

Anita: He's the one that suggested you get involved!

Emmitt: (Moaning.) He was just doing what he thought was right...

Promise me you won't blame him...(Coughing.)

Anita: Baby, try not to talk...

Emmitt: Promise me Mama!

Anita: Alright, I promise!

Emmitt: Reverend...

Reverend: Yes son.

Emmitt: (Coughing.) I want to thank you for being a positive

influence in my life...

Reverend: Thank you son. Just try to relax.

Emmitt: Mama...

Anita: Yes baby...

Emmitt: I'm sorry if I weren't the best son to you...

Anita: You're a wonderful son. The best son a mother could ever
hope for.

27
Emmitt: Mama?

Anita: Yes son?

Emmitt: I love you...

Anita: Baby, I love you too... (Emmitt blacks out.) Oh my God!

Emmitt! He can't die on me! Don't you die on me! Emmitt, you
hear me?! Don't you die on me! (Cora tries to console Anita.)

Reverend: He's still breathing. He must of blacked out.

Anita: He can't die on me... (The paramedic enter.)

Fade to Black

The women at the church are preparing baked goods for their
weekly bake sale.

Cora: We send our kids to school to learn but it's their job
to get a good education. And that decision's in their hands.

Anita: It's simple, do you want to go to college or go to jail?

Cora: Do you want to be a pharmacist or deal in illegal drugs?

Anita: Do you want to be a star on the big screen or be arrested

on cops?!

Cora: You can have a drug free life or ignore safe sex and
die of Aids.

Mother Wheatley: Get an education or be homeless! Join the police department or don't join
a gang!

Anita: Be part of the solution to gang violence or part of the problem.

Cora: ...help fight crime or become victims of crime. We pay millions

in tax payers dollars for hospitalization due to violent crime, why can't
we use some of those millions to organize programs in our community
designed to keep teens off the streets at night.

Mother Wheatley: Baby, I wish I knew that answer. Cora, the next time
you go in that kitchen, bring me a piece of that corn bread you baked
this afternoon.

28
Cora: Mother Wheatley, if you keep eating like this, we won't have anything left to sell at the bake
sale. (Cora goes to the kitchen.)

Mother Wheatley: You just bring me some of that corn bread.(She pauses.) As long as you're
taking, I could have got some of my corn bread from home! (Three gang members enter the
church.) The bake sale's not until Wednesday!

Cora: May I help you boys?

Scar: Yea ah... we just smelled your cooking and thought we'd see what's going on...

Cora: Well you're quite welcome to come back tomorrow, when everything will be on sale.
(Anita brings out sugar cookies.)

Scar: Hey, sugar cookies. (He tries to grab some but Sister Simpson smacks his hand.) Hey!

Anita: Excuse me, but the sale starts tomorrow.

J.T. Well we can't make it tomorrow.

Anita: Well you'll just have to come back because we don't have any change.

Scar: That's O.K. 'cause we weren't planning on paying for them.

Anita: What?!

Mother Wheatley: Somebody needs to teach you boys some manners! (Walking to them.)

Cora: Hey, don't they call you Scar? You're the leader of that gang aren't you?

Scar: Maybe...

Mother Wheatley: Scar?! That's not Scar! His name's Emanuel Cotton. His folks run the Barber
Shop down the street. He got that Scar 'cause he wouldn't sit still in the chair!

J.T.: Emanuel?! Your name's Emanuel!!

Scar: Shut up J.T!

J.T.: O.K. Emanuel! (Bobo tries to get cookie again but Sister Simpson smacks his hand again.)

Anita: I told you those cookies aren't for sale!

Scar: And just what do you plan to do about it old lady?!

29
Anita: Old lady? Just a minute. (Sister Simpson get 3 pans from the kitchen and gives one to
Cora and Mother Wheatley.) Old lady, huh? (Theme from "Cops" "Bad Boys, Bad Boys" rap music
is played.)

Ladies: AHHH!!! (Screaming, they raise their pans, beating the gang members with them, driving
the thugs out. The gang quickly exits and the ladies "high five" break into cheers. Winded, the
women sit down.)

Mother Wheatley: Lord, what has gotten into these young people? My Mama didn't believe in
sparing the rod!

Cora: Sometimes, all they had time to do was smack you before leaving for work.

Anita: And if you stood to close while they was whipping your brother, a smack came your
way. And it didn't matter if you were innocent because our parents knew there was something...

All: ...they never got your for! (Laughing.)

Cora: Honey, I remember when my parents didn't know who did something, they just whipped
all five of us. But now, that's called child abuse.

Mother Wheatley: Back in my day it was called keeping your children in line!

Sister Simpson: And a lot of these children, still come from violent
backgrounds... But not always, we can break the pattern of violence,
I did.

Mother Wheatley: Baby, is that the reason you only had one child after you lost your first baby?

Sister Simpson: Mother Wheatley, let's just say after the first one, I
understood what our parents had to go through to raise us...

Mother Wheatley: The way my Mama swung a strap, I just thank the Lord to be living.

Cora: But these kids today, don't play that. They know the number to child protective services
and have it memorized. I wish there were a way kids could see how we were raised. Then they'd
realize they have it made.

Mother Wheatley: In my day, it was a parents' right to kill you. Oh, those were the days...

Fade to Black

Scar is on the street corner, waiting for J.T. When the gang arrives they begin the rap "Ain't No
Love, Ain't No Peace."

Scar: It's about time you all got here. I was about to freeze my tail

30
off.

J.T. It couldn't be helped man. I misplaced my blade.

Scar: Again man, what's wrong with you?

J.T.: It was an accident.

Scar: Where did you find it?

J.T.: In the garbage...I threw it out with the remains of the chitterlin'
dinner I ate.

Scar: Man, let's go. We're already late for the gang bang with the Cross.

J.T.: Scar, I ain't never heard of a gang called the Cross.

Scar: Me neither but I ain't never been able to miss the chance to throw down.

J.T.: Man, I still can't get over those old ladies beatin' us with their
pots and pans...

Scar: I don't even want to think about it.

J.T.: Man, what if this gang heard we got beat up by a bunch of old ladies?

Scar: J.T., why would you even say something so stupid?!

J.T.: Maybe that's the reason they want to fight us.

Scar: I don't think so! Now shut up! We're here. Where is everybody?

J.T.: Maybe they got here early and left.

Scar: They probably backed out.

J.T.: You know what Scar? I think they're late.

Scar: No joke Sherlock! Would you shut up, I think I hear something.

J.T.: I don't hear nothing.

Scar: Man shut up. Wait here while I check things out. (Scar exits,
Grandma, Uncle Jimmy and Mother Wheatley enter.)

Grandma: J.T. what do you think you're doing?

31
J.T.: Grandma? I...ah... (Scar steps out but when no one notices him, he quickly steps back
and hides.)

Grandma: Emanuel? What do you think you're doing?!

Scar: Grandma? I...ah...

Grandma: I...ah... my foot!

Uncle Jimmy: Dee, what have I told you about running with the wrong crowd?!

Dee: Uncle Jimmy?! (Mother Wheatley comes out.)

Uncle Jimmy: I'm ashamed to call you my name sake! And, pull up those pants!

Grandma: Bend over!

J.T.: Aw Grandma... not in front of the guys!

Grandma: I said, bend over! (He bends over and she pokes him in the behind with her stick.)

Mother Wheatley: I think all of you better get on home before you get some of that stick!

Grandma: Mother Wheatley, I want to thank you for bringing this to my attention. How did you
know who the gang was?

Mother Wheatley: Baby, I been living in this neighborhood so long, I know everybody and their
Mama's!

Grandma: Well, thank you Mother Wheatley. Emanuel! You get your behind on home!

J.T.: Yes Ma'am.

Uncle Jimmy: Girl, I didn't bring you into this world but I will take
you out!

Grandma: J.T., I got some more for you when you get home! Now wait, a minute, you're not
moving fast enough! (They exit and Mother Wheatley raps "The Community." The elders re-
enter dancing to "The Community". When they exit Scar comes out of hiding.)

Scar: Ha, the community... ain't that sweet. Well it ain't over just cause
the old lady sang ... They don't know who they're messing with... (Scar's little brother Travis
comes out.)

Travis: E-man! Give me some skin. (He gives Travis five.)

32
Scar: Travis what are you doing here? I mean, shouldn't you be home studying? You do have
school tomorrow...

Travis: School? I don't need no school...

Scar: I know you feel that way now but one day you'll thank me... Let's go.

Travis: I said I don't need school! You didn't finish school.

Scar: That's different.

Travis: Why?! (Scar doesn't answer.) Yea, that's what I thought...

Scar: Alright, then tell me what do you plan to do for a living when you grow up?

Travis: I'm going to be a gangster, like you?

Scar: Like me... Oh noo, little brother, you're going to be something

better than that, I'm going to see to that.

Travis: But E- man...

Scar: I mean it Travis, home!

Travis: Who you think you talking to. You don't tell me what to do! I'm the T-man.

Scar: Well the T-man is going home. It's past his bed time.

Travis: You ain't my daddy!

Scar: No, but I am bigger than you are...

Travis: Aw man... So that's it? You pulling rank on me?

Scar: I'm pulling rank...(Travis starts to walk when a loud voice is

heard.)

Voice: I got something for you Scar! EAT LEAD!!! (Gun shots are fired.)

Scar: Travis get down! (Travis falls to the ground. A moment later Scar gets up.) O.K. you can
get up now, Travis... Travis? Travis!!! Travis. (Scar runs to his brother.) Oh God!!! Travis!!
Someone help me! Someone...please call an ambulance.! Travis, Travis Oh God I'm so sorry...

Travis: E-man...It hurts...

33
Scar: I know Travis but you're going to be fine. Everything's going
to be fine, Travis...

Travis: ...am I going to die?

Scar: No! No, you're not going to die...You're going to be O.K...alright?

I promise. Somebody help!!!

Travis: E-man I'm cold...I'm so cold... (Cough)

Scar: Help!!!

Travis: I did good didn't I E-man? Didn't I do good?

Scar: Yea, little man, you did good. You did... You did... (Scar
begins to cry.) ...I'm going to get you some help, alright?

Travis: Don't leave me! E-man, I'm scared.

Scar: I know but I've got to get some help...

Travis: No...

Scar: Alright Travis, It's O.K...I won't leave you.

Travis: E-man...you not going to tell anybody I was scared, are you?

Scar: Everyone's scared sometimes, Travis.

Travis: Even you? (Cough.)

Scar: Especially me... And sometimes it make us do things we regret... I'm got to find some
help...take care of you, Travis... Travis? Travis! Oh God!(Travis has blacked out. Scar carries
Travis off stage.) Help me! Somebody please, help me.

Fade to Black

It's Saturday and the block party is beginning. The members make last minute finishing
touches. The Reverend enters.

Reverend: Everything's set up outside. How's it going in here?

Cora: Fine. We're all set.

Reverend: I'd like to say something before we get started.

34
Cora: Alright, everybody... the Reverend would like to speak with us. (Everyone sits.)

Reverend: As many of you know, we held a march this week in protest to the drug trafficking
that's being done on this block. And some of you may not be aware that during our break,
there was a driveby shooting...

And Sister Anita Jackson's son Emmitt, was shot and wounded. Emmitt was assisting the
police in gathering gang activity in the community. He is a brave young man and I ask that we
keep him in our prayers that the Lord will give him a speedy recovery. We need to come up with
some solutions to this crisis of gang violence. Show our youth that they have other alternatives
to peer pressure.

Sis. Simpson: But that's what Emmitt tried to do...

Cora: This isn't the time to point blame... We can't just turn our backs
because it's not our problem anymore. We need to think about what our children are doing
with their lives. We need to teach them that weapons aren't the answer and can only lead to
more violence. Most young people don't carry weapons with the intention of killing anyone but
for their protection.

Brother Wallace: But that's what's happening... Young people are dying. That's why Emmitt was
shot, because some child decided to carry a gun for protection. And those who aren't killing
each other with guns... are killing themselves with drugs.

Mother Wheatley: She's right a lot of young people are just afraid. We can't blame them for not
wanting to die....

Sis. Simpson: But Mother Wheatley, we have to start somewhere...

Reverend: That's right, we do have to start somewhere in putting

an end to gang violence... by putting an end to drugs and crime.
And it's got to start right here with us... and our families,
with our neighbors and friends. It's got to start here because
if we don't do it, who will? And if God can't help us, who can?

Sis. Simpson: Reverend, I think we parents need to sit down

with our children. Let them know you're there. Help them to
think about their futures. I know they're under pressure, I
was raised in this neighborhood too.

Cora: Right, maybe if we talk to our young people and let them
know we're there if they need us... maybe when they're faced
with problems, they'll come to us.

Sis. Simpson: What is it going to take to get the community

involved? How many youth will have to die? How close does

35
tragedy have to come to us before we're willing take action?
Does tragedy have to touch all of us? Because believe me, no
one is safe anymore. We need the support of the community.
Because that's what it's going to take to put an end the gang
violence. Entire communities.

Cora: She's right. Do we all have a son shot or lose a member

of our family?! Emmitt could have been anyone's son, anyone's

brother... What would you do if it were a member of your family

were shot? Your cousin your brother, your daughter, your son?
How much blood is going to be shed before this crisis is taken
seriously by the entire community?

Uncle Jimmy: All I know is I'm fed up with gang violence

and driveby shootings. Emmitt's shooting should have never
happened to begin with.

Reverend: And records show, crime has escalated 700%(percent)

since 1986. So it's up to us to take back our neighborhoods
and make them safe again for our children.

Cora: The Reverend's right. It takes a community to raise a

child. And we're in this together so we're going to have to
get out together.

Reverend: And by organizing neighborhood watches and citizens

on patrol, we can send a message to criminals, that we're no
longer going to tolerate drug trafficking in our community.

Mother Wheatley: Well we need to do it now, before anymore young

lives are lost. Everyday I hear of another young person who's
been shot or killed. It seems like we just can't do enough.

Reverend: If you have children, you've probably made promises

to them about education being the key to their future and now
we're going to have to do something to guarantee those futures.
I think if a tragedy like this were to touch my family the time
for preaching might be over. We're sitting on a time bomb and
it's only a matter of time before someone decides to take things
into their own hands.

Uncle Jimmy: There's already people out there training children

in combat maneuvers, and at the rate our young people are dying,
I'm beginning to think those people just might have something.
There is a battle ground out there!

36
Reverend: Soldiers have died for this country, some even in
tragic mishap of friendly fire. And I'm not trying to demean
their sacrifices because they died for us, for this country...
but what do we call this?! These senseless home deaths? Cities
were youth run the town because they know, when they murder,
they'll get off with what in terms equals a slap on the hand.

Mother Wheatley: Cane them, I say!

Reverend: I'm not sure if anyone realizes that people who die
needlessly in the crossfire... they're heroes too. They died
for us too, and a little of us died with them. Maybe we can
learn from these tragedies, because of sacrifice like Emmitt's.

We know the death of our young serve no purpose on earth but

maybe can still serve a higher purpose. If we as a community
will pull together with our schools, churches and the police
to fight against drug trafficking and violent crimes. Now I
want to say again, tell your friends and neighbors when they
see a crime, write it down, get the license plate number and
mail it to the police. We're going to have to work together
with the police to put an end to drugs and crime in our
neighborhood. Now Brother Wallace, would like to say a few words
about the events planned for next week. Brother Wallace....
(Brother Wallace steps up to speak.)

Brother Wallace: As many of you know, we've organized a

neighborhood watch and we're still accepting volunteers for
our neighborhood patrol. Now, this coming Saturday, we've planned
a huge block party. Admission is ten dollars.

Everyone: Ten dollars!

Brother Wallace: It's more blessed to give than to receive...

Now there's no drinking or drugs but for anyone willing to turn
in a weapon, the cost is free. The money earned will be used
to buy sports equipment, for the basketball league we're forming
to keep teens off the streets at night. We're doing everything
we can to keep out children out of harms way. We're taking back
the 'hood! We're taking back the 'hood! Look at your neighbor
and say, we're taking back the 'hood!

Everyone: We're taking back the 'hood!

Anita and Emmitt enter. His arm is in a sling.

37
Reverend: Sister Jackson, Emmitt! Come on in. It's good to see
you. How are you son.

Emmitt: I'm fine Reverend.

Reverend: The doctor said he was well enough to be released.

He said he never seen anyone recover so fast.

Cora: Well, praise God!

Reverend: That's the power of prayer. Hey everybody! Look, who's

back!

All: Emmitt! It's good to see you welcome back...How you feeling?
(They all congratulate him.)

Reverend: Are you hungry, son?

Emmitt: Yea.

Cora: Let me fix you a plate. Anita, have a seat. (They go to

the kitchen.)

Anita: Reverend, I want to apologize for the things I said when

ah... well... when...

Reverend: It's alright, you were just upset.

Anita: But that's no excuse. You were there for Emmitt. I should
of had faith that the Lord would protect my son.

Reverend: It's O.K. really!

Anita: Thank you Reverend. God bless you.

Reverend: Thank you Sister Jackson. (Anita and the Reverend

join the festivities.)

Scar, J.T. and Bobo walk in. They stop at the door. There is
silence and all eyes are on them.

Scar: Reverend, we decided we wanted to do something better

with our lives. So we're turning in our weapons. (They drop

38
their weapons.)

Reverend: What made you change your minds?

Scar: Reverend, last week my little brother Travis was shot

during a driveby shooting. When the same violence I was caught
up in, hit home... I realized I needed to make a change and
I want to be part of something. Reverend when my brother was
shot... I felt like a didn't have a friend in the world...

Reverend: Son, we're always here for you...

Scar: But Travis looked up to me. What kind I role model was

I? I called myself a leader and last week I nearly lead my little

brother to his death.

Reverend: But he's O.K, right?

Scar: Yea, it was a close call but the doc says he'll be O.K.

Cora: Good. We're all really fortunate.. Life is something

to be treasured. And death is so permanent. The death of Emmitt
or your little brother is something we can't take back.

Scar: I'm just glad I found out in time.

J.T. Yea, it made us all take a look at ourselves and didn't

like what we saw.

Scar: Besides, we didn't want to go up against Mother Wheatley

again... She's a pistol!

Mother Wheatley: I know that's right!

Reverend: Now that, I can understand! Well... I'm proud of

you boys.

Cora: You know a lot of kids your age never live to make that
kind of decision.

Scar: We'll that lifestyles not for me, I want a future.

Reverend: I don't know whether you boys realize it, but education

is the real key to your futures. And you're the key to our

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futures.

J.T.: We are?

Reverend: That's right son, one day your generation will be

making the decisions.

Anita: You'll be the ones caring for us when we're sick and
holding our hand when we die.

J.T.: That makes sense...

Cora: That's why it's important that we adults make sure you're
raised up proper. Now...don't just stand there, come on in!(The
gang members join the party.)

All: Praise God! Thank you Jesus! Amen! (The Reverend begins
the protest rap.)

All: Watch your back, if you're smoking crack. Or selling drugs

to neighborhood thugs. If you're in a gang, get ready to bang!
'Cause we're saving our 'hood from crime and no good. We're
going to watch and we're going to tell! So you driveby shooters
can go to JAIL! (Everyone breaks into cheers, they hug and actors
freeze.)

Emmitt: Scar never really quit the gang. He was arrested after
a driveby shooting and convicted of murder. He was sent to death
row at a State Penitentiary. However, two days before his
electrocution, in what was said to be a suicide, his body was
found in his cell, dowsed with gasoline and set on fire. It's
rumored that Scar was murdered by a rival gang. The irony is
he was killed by the ultimate gang, the prison gang. I guess
it is true, he who lives by the sword...dies by the sword.

Fade to Black

Actors get in place for the closing rap, "U Decide". (CURTIN
CALL.)

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THE END!!!

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