It was a late evening in October, and Keisha was on her way from work. It had been a long tiring day for her. All she could do was think about getting home and relaxing. As she turned the corner and walked down the sidewalk which led to her house, she noticed that the gang was outside partying loudly as usual. She quickly began to pick up her pace, only to find that she was already too late. All kinds of terrible thoughts rushed through Keisha's head when she noticed the gang crossing the street. Stopping almost suddenly in her tracks, she began picturing her baby girl at home waiting for her mommy and what her reaction would be she if she didn't return. The thought of this brought tears to Keisha's eyes. Not only would her daughter miss her but the rest of family also. Focusing on just this thought, she didn't notice the gang now standing directly in front of her. They began shoving her around and calling her names . She felt helpless and weak all at once. How would she ever get herself out of this mess? She fell to her knees and starting crying.

     Then she felt an inner strength began to develop inside of her. She rose to her feet. She started shouting and shoving them back. The thought that they could hurt her never crossed her mind. She was tired of being afraid of them. It was time for her to stand up for herself. They realized she was no longer afraid of them and backed off. Kiesha was full of relief and proud of herself. She had done what no one else in her neighborhood would do, take a stand against the local gang.