When I arrived in the Nickerson Garden Housing Project on Tuesday evening, which was New Years Eve, I really had no idea of what to expect or even what to anticipate. I will admit, the chance encounter of gang violence or gun-play never entered my mind. However on the other hand, I was looking forward to meeting interesting and colorful people. As fate would have it, my anticipation came true. 
The 29 –year- old African American man introduced himself as Knowledge once he realized my camera was rolling and pointed in his direction. Knowledge was not cocky, but it’s safe to say that he was confident and full of wisdom regarding all things housing projects and urban struggles.
At the top of our brief conversation, Knowledge described himself in the following manner. “I basically teach personal development. I went through the prison system.”
Knowledge is a life long resident of the Imperial Courts Housing Projects located to the East of the Nickerson Garden’s. Imperial Courts is a lesser known housing project in Watts, but like the Nickerson’s, they too have their own bout with gang violence and economic woes.
The P.J. Watts Crip and self described personal development teacher shared the following. “I went through the whole system, what you can call the Black Man Growing Up in the Getto. I know the struggles, the ups and downs and the ins and outs. I can tell you if AB109 is successful or not. That’s what I write about and that’s what I speak about.” 
AB109 is the state of California’s cornerstone bill designed to reduce prison overcrowding, high costs and recidivism.
According to Knowledge at the age of 18 he was sentenced to a 10-year prison sentence for attempted murder. The murder charge was later reduced to assault with a firearm. “I teach people how to avoid the pitfalls I made, but at the same time not loosing themselves and having the understanding we’re all looking for growth in the projects. We are all struggling. We’re suffering as a people in here, but ain’t nobody fighting for us. We’re waiting on a savior, but the savior could be me.” 
The savior could very well be Knowledge, who’s legal name is Maurice “Knowledge” Kelly. I obtained this information when I conducted a Google search and discovered the paperback book title on Amazon.com, ‘Tales From the Briccs’ was authored by Knowledge and published by Xlibris Publishing in 2011.
Im so proud of my fam keep up the good work u r a savior for our future generation I hope others will follow your footsteps love u again immsooooo proud of u Maurice
I personally know Maurice and can attest to his accomplishments and sincere desire to help others. He is a shining example for many misguided youth.
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