Gangbangers: 1959 Edition

Teenage gang members (the Mau Maus) arrested in fatal shooting of Brooklyn youth. Photo by Orlando Fernandez, World Telegram & Sun, 1959

Left to right, Carl Cintron, Transit Patrolman Ernest Fatoruso, Carlos Reyes, Patrolman Frank Collins, Melvin Torres and Israel Narvaes at the Popular St. police station, New York City.

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The Mau Maus:

The Mau Maus were a Brooklyn Puerto Rican gang operating from at least late 1954 to around 1962. Some members of a street gang called the Apaches broke away and created the Mau Maus, according to Israel Narvaez, one of the gang's founders. The Apaches had succumbed to heroin while Narvaez and others were more interested in fighting and maintaining territory. They also asked permission from a rival gang called the Chaplains to start a Puerto Rican gang in the area. Eventually the gang was called Mau Mau Chaplains.

Around January 1958, a Bishop member and a candy store owner were stabbed to death by some of the Mau Mau gang, supposedly in retaliation for the Bishop's knifing and killing of Mannie Durango, a member of the Mau Maus. One of its best known members was Nicky Cruz, who was President, Vice President, and Warlord at different points during his tenure. Cruz said he stabbed 16 people while a member. Cruz and his best friend Israel Narvaez became born-again Christians in July 1958 after hearing David Wilkerson preach. However, Narvaez became disillusioned with Christianity and eventually rejoined the Mau Maus. He became their leader again and on February 23, 1959 Narvaez, along with Carl Cintron, Carlos Reyes, and Melvin Torres, shot and killed Anthony Lavonchino, a member of the Sand Street Angels (an Italian street gang), one of the Mau Maus' enemies. Lavonchino had apparently beaten Tico, a Mau Mau, for walking with his sister.

Cruz would later write a book about his experiences called Run Baby Run. Eventually Israel recommitted his life to God and wrote his own book called Second Chance: The Israel Narvaez Story. David Wilkerson's biography, The Cross and the Switchblade and the film that was based upon it were partially about Cruz's Mau Mau years.

Comments

[Dave the Carpenter]

And then there was West Side Story. It is fascinating that we go to great lengths to glamorize and excuse the dark side of human nature. It is an ill wind that fails to fill someone's sails in a beneficial way. I have wondered how analysts feel about this. How about you, Doc? Have you any insights you would be willing to share?

[Dr X]

In a general way, I think persistent problems with idealized figures (including the lack of these figures) may play some role in gang participation; perhaps it's related to a search for the idealized, powerful object (the group, the group leader. in the case of gangs). I'm sure there are also interrelated situational factors that play no small part in it.

None of this is to deny the dark side of human nature. It is always there, always being expressed in various forms. And when the bars on our social and psychological cages fail, human beings can turn into raw savages.

Another interesting psychological phenomenon--those who refuse to press Milgram's shock buttons. And those whose interests would be served by capitulating to savagery, yet they respond with greater decency, even heroism.

And there's that free will v determinism issue.

[Sherry Davis]

Israel Narvaez became a criminal again aftewr becoming fed up with Christianity. He was involved in the horrific murders of some innocent teenagers. I am trying to find out more on what else became of him. David Wilkerson was killed in a car accident a couple years ago. Nicky Cruz has carried on trying to save teens from the mean streets he oncew lived on.

[Dee Narvaez]

My uncle Israel became a Pastor.
Dee Narvaez

[SANTANA]

My Father was A MAU MAU He passed away about 7 years ago I'm trying to find out any info of his past due to the fact that I didn't find out this info until he was on his death bed.

[SANTANA]

Anyone with any info shoot me an E-Mail santanahsp@verizon.net Thanks....God Bless