CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Residents, religious leaders and even some members of the Clayton County Police force came together Saturday to raise awareness about gangs.
"A lot of these kids that get involved in gangs have nothing outside of school life," said resident Gloria James.
Clayton County Police Chief Michael Register said that gangs are present in the community.
"Statistically we've seen a slight rise in gang activity in Clayton," said Chief Michael Register.
One of the speakers at Saturday's event was a former gang member. Carlos Benifield said he spent nearly 20 years in a gang. "At the time it was fun," said Benifield.
The 46-year-old said he was only 15 when he made the decision to join a gang. Benifield is from the south side of Chicago. "I feel as much wrong as I did in the community, it's time for me to give back. It's my calling from God."
Benifield is doing just that. He has a mentoring program for kids where he tries to help them make better choices. "As long as there's a baby in this world, you're not going to stop gangs or gun violence, but you can control it."