Renegade Dreams: Living Through Injury in Gangland Chicago

In the field note titled “Getting In,” Ralph encounters Mr. Randall, who used to be the probation officer of a gang leader, Kemo. They meet at the House of Worship. Mr. Randall expresses surprise and concern about Ralph’s interactions with Kemo. Despite Ralph having been in a meeting with Kemo and other gang members like Justin, Tiko, Pete, and Steve, Kemo has never directly spoken to Ralph. He only mocks him indirectly. Ralph assures Mr. Randall that he is not joining the gang but is actually meeting Kemo to discuss organizing a forum to stop violence, a task ironically accomplished without any direct communication between them.

This chapter discusses the role of disability in Eastwood and beyond. Ralph brings up the example of Justin, whom he discussed in the Introduction. Justin organizes a forum on violence together with Kemo. Ralph illustrates the issue by referring to the high rates of violent crime in Chicago and the disabilities that result from it, especially among African American and Latino populations. Further on, he explores the social and medical models of disability, emphasizing the unique experiences of disabled African American ex-gang members. Ralph argues that the disability rights movement, while advocating for equality, often overlooks the intersection of race and disability.