Asheville Pastor Advocates for Youth Gang-Prevention Program Amid Rising Violence

<p>Dr. Ronald Gates, a pastor in Asheville, North Carolina, who has previously been associated with gangs, stated that city leaders have overlooked his proposal for a youth gang-prevention program for over a decade. He presented this proposal to Asheville officials in 2016, advocating for early intervention strategies aimed at preventing youth from joining gangs and engaging in violence.</p><p>The need for such a program has become more pressing following a series of retaliatory shootings that resulted in two fatalities and seven injuries. City officials have refrained from labeling the violence as gang-related, instead characterizing it as conflicts among acquaintances.</p><p>Gates expressed concern that this perspective fails to address the underlying issues. He stated, "They did not want to actually acknowledge that it was gang activity. They wanted to make sure that they tried to whitewash the narrative as they’re saying that these are just retaliations between individuals."</p><p>As the senior pastor of Greater Works Church of God in Christ and a chaplain for the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Gates is actively involved in community outreach and law enforcement collaboration. He believes that many young people are drawn to violence due to factors such as financial pressure, territorial disputes, or a desire for belonging.</p><p>His proposal is based on the "Gang Free" program from Los Angeles, which aims to educate students in grades four through six about gang recruitment and the risks associated with gang involvement. Gates learned about this program during a trip to California in 2016 and was motivated to implement a similar initiative in Asheville.</p><p>Over the past ten years, Gates has approached various local officials, including mayors and police chiefs, urging them to trial the program for one year. He questioned the lack of investment in such a program, even on a temporary basis, to assess its effectiveness in the local context.</p><p>Gates explained that the program would inform children about gang operations, including their symbols and methods of manipulation. He emphasized that education alone is insufficient; a comprehensive prevention model must also offer alternatives to the financial and social incentives that gangs provide.</p><p>"These young men want to help provide for their single mom or their family," Gates noted. "Any money that they can hustle up, they feel like they’re doing something or doing their part."</p><p>Under Gates' proposal, collaboration between law enforcement, mentors, and local business owners would directly engage children in their communities. In addition to gang-prevention education, the program would offer academic support, mentorship, and exposure to entrepreneurship.</p><p>Gates believes that local businesses could demonstrate legitimate business operations to students, providing them with a legal path to earn income. He suggested that the city could assist in funding stipends or similar opportunities.</p><p>Reflecting on his own experiences growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he had gang affiliations, Gates attributed his avoidance of deeper involvement to the influence of his family and sports. He stated, "I thank God that someone intervened."</p><p>Gates emphasized the importance of early intervention, noting that young people without stable role models may turn to older gang members for guidance, which can lead to dangerous situations. He questioned whether those involved in recent violence might have made different choices if they had access to alternative paths.</p><p>In 2016, Gates was informed that Asheville did not have sufficient gang activity to warrant his proposed program. He cautioned that city leaders should proactively address potential issues rather than waiting for violence to escalate.</p><p>According to state data, Asheville experienced a 42% increase in violent crimes in 2024 compared to 2016, despite an overall decrease in the crime index. The rise was primarily attributed to aggravated assaults, which increased from 335 to 558, while reported robberies decreased. Although violent crime peaked in 2022, it has declined for two consecutive years, yet the 2024 figures remain above those from 2016.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to Asheville officials for their response to Gates' claims regarding his repeated presentations of the prevention program to city leaders since 2016, inquiring about the review process and reasons for its non-adoption.</p><p>Gates clarified that he does not assert that all violent incidents in Asheville are gang-related, but he believes that the city should take action to prevent cycles of retaliation, regardless of formal gang designations.</p><p>"You have personal disputes," Gates explained. "But then the thrust behind it, the motivation behind it is because, ‘Look here, you spilled some blood. I’m going to spill some blood also.’ And that’s what it has come to."</p><p>For city leaders, Gates argued that the focus should not solely be on how violence is categorized, but rather on ensuring that young people have sufficient opportunities to avoid paths leading to incarceration or death.</p><p>He advocates for practical support before incidents of violence occur, emphasizing the effectiveness of prevention efforts when adequately implemented.</p><p>Gates' message to those contemplating retaliation is straightforward: consult with a trusted adult before making decisions that could have life-altering consequences. He posed the question, "Is it even worth retaliating? Is it worth losing my life or going to prison for the rest of my life?"</p><p>"Let’s use common sense," he concluded. "Count up the real costs."</p>