A radical social treatise about African American gangs in the 21st century. This book is more than just a blueprint for self-transformation and the reconstruction of gang culture. It is also a unique step-by-step guideline that shows gang members themselves how to do it. Ross and Champion’s analysis builds upon - and expands - the work that Crips gang co-founder and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Stanley Tookie Williams was committed to before his death. The Architect seeks to change the narrative about gang members by providing them with an independent and self-sustaining plan of action and empowerment.

This book is the first of its kind. The authors are two well-respected Crips emeritus from Los Angeles, who are now prominent in the criminal justice reform movement. They also reside on death row at San Quentin State Prison. Ross and Champion’s street and prison experience enables them to offer in The Architect authentic, honest dialogue about the problems gang members face and the potential solutions to those problems.

The Architect was written for gang members. But anyone working for real community change should read The Architect. The triumph over violence requires extreme responsibility–not just from gang members, but from everyone.