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Ex-Gang Member Recalls Deaths And Struggles
26-year-old Omar Sharif is now a motivational speaker, and his sole purpose? Reforming gang culture in London. He knows what motivates teenagers to join and leave violent gangs.
Joins Gang To Make More Money
Omar grew up in the heart of London, off Edgware Road in Marylebone. Known for its street violence, robbery, attacks, and carrying weapons in broad daylight was a norm in the area.
Omar joined a gang when thirteen years old. He was selling sweets for quick bucks when a gang member approached him. He offered Omar a job where he’d make more money.
Omar agreed, and the next six years of his life were history.
He started carrying a knife at 15. Omar shared that joining a gang was self-protection. It was easier for him to stay out late since anyone would think twice before robbing or attacking a gang member.
He opened up about why crowds of young people join gang after gang. It was to feel safer, for a sense of belonging, and because there are few other options. It was to make more money.
Gangs offer a family, albeit a complicated one, for young men and women. A young boy in…
