Ex-Gang Member Points A Way Off Memphis Streets

“We’re not trying to, as they say, ‘dis-gang’ members, but we want to give an opportunity for children who are in gangs to have a way out,” stated Reverend Dwight Montgomery.

“We’re not trying to, as they say, ‘dis-gang’ members, but we want to give an opportunity for children who are in gangs to have a way out,” stated Reverend Dwight Montgomery.

For some time now a commercial has been running on WLOK, in an effort to help with gang violence in the streets of Memphis.

Reverend Dwight Montgomery president of Memphis Southern Christian Leadership Conference recently created the new gang member hotline along with WLOK which they call “Operation Take Back”. The hotline is an avenue for gang members to call if they want out the life that they are living. Since it’s launch the response has been overwhelming states Montgomery.

One mentor for SCLC spoke about how he joined a gang at age 12 and now at 42 he’s glad that he did get out. He changed his life by leaving Chicago and coming to Memphis after spending 27 years in the gang and living a dangerous life using pistols and going to jail over 30 times.

“It is now time for action. The children are there, they need our help, we’re reaching out to them. They want us to reach out to them so lets get them outta these gangs,” says Reverend Montgomery.

Reverend Montgomery stated there are a handful of other former gang members helping with the hotline.

With companies participating and community involvement this will help keep the effort afloat such as donations from companies like Conwood Company in Memphis for $10,000. He’s hoping more businesses will chip in to help with expenses.

Anyone who is looking to get involved and help the hotline they are asking that you call WLOK in downtown Memphis.

If you need help and would like to call the hotline, the number is 901-428-7252.