Gang Gang - ATL

Atlanta is a thriving metropolis with a booming Tech, Film, and music industry. Residents flock here from around the globe in search of new opportunities and a better life. But behind the veil lies a festering problem that City Officials are working hard to address. In this feature we examine a post-pandemic rise in Atlanta's crime and gang activity and its perceived correlation with a failing education system, "drill" style Rap music and ramped poverty spurred on by the 2020 economic collapse. We will uncover the facts of this crisis as we follow a young high school student whose teachers and parents fight to keep him on track as he navigates the growing influence of gang culture in his community. In contrast we profile a white upper middle class Buckhead resident and community activist fighting to boost police presence in his city to reduce theft and violent crime. An Atlanta Police Detective working with a newly appointed gang task force puts his life on the line to keep the city safe while building better community/police relationships with local youth. We speak with several gang factions as they give us a peek into their worlds and help illustrate the circumstances that led them to choose this lifestyle. Through a series of expert interviews with popular rap artist, prominent activist and leaders in the education, political and judicial system; we will further unpack relevant topics around mental health, Government policy and civic responsibility, gun rights, pandemic effects on education, gentrification, rap's influence on youth culture and the school to prison pipeline.