In the spring of 1992 the African American neighborhoods of Los Angeles - Compton, Watts, Gardena, South Central - were irrevocably transformed by the greatest domestic riots of this century: the "Uprisings," as they are now described on the streets. In the aftermath of this violence emerged a powerful spirit of reconciliation and change, as gang members who had fought each other for years came together to rebuild their homes, businesses, and families.

This new sense of peace and cooperation continues to thrive in the inner city, and now, with Uprising, thirteen former Crips and Bloods give voice to their fresh hopes for the future.

What these men reveal is both provocative and profound: the rites of initiation, the pressure to commit crimes, the bonds of gang brotherhood, the significance of gangsta rap, the need for self-empowerment, and the durability of racism in our culture. But Uprising has a timely moral mission as well: The mean streets of L.A. can be found in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Portland, Atlanta, New Haven, and Minneapolis.

Gang warfare is escalating, spreading to the heartland - and here Yusuf Jah and Sister Shah'Keyah proclaim that lives, and communities, must be saved.