A co-founder of the Crips is to give a public talk today on the bitter realities of gangbanging.

Zane Smith will join ex-Blood Jeff Osborne and Pepe Montenegro of The Avenues at a series of meetings hosted by anti-gang organisation CARTEL (Challenging and Reclaiming the True Essence of Life).

Mr. Smith, an anti-gang advocate in Los Angeles, recruited Stanley 'Tookie' Williams into the Crips one of its most notorious members.

Williams was executed by lethal injection at San Quentin State Prison, California, on December 13, 2005. He received the death penalty for four Los Angeles murders in 1979, despite denying committing them.

During his time on Death Row he became an anti-gang activist and renounced his Crips affiliation. He co-wrote children's books and joined efforts to dissuade young men from taking up a gang lifestyle.

Earlier this year, CARTEL welcomed three former LA gang members to the Island. Mr. Osborne, Mr. Montenegro and former Crip Craig Winters-Dixon took a message of non-violence to the streets of Bermuda, addressing schools, prisons and community forums.

In this second visit, Mr. Smith, Mr. Osborne and Mr. Montenegro will speak at Devonshire Rec tonight , Whitney Institute tomorrow and the Temperance Hall, Shelly Bay, on Saturday.

CARTEL founder Pastor Leroy Bean said the public are invited to attend the meetings, which he hopes will also extend the message of non-violence to the families of gangbangers.

"We're going to be dealing with affiliates of gang-related activity, such as parents, siblings and care givers, who endorse it indirectly by turning a blind eye," said Rev. Bean.

"They need to understand their position. It's important for everyone to be aware that whether they like it or not they are responsible, and innocent people could be affected.

"The guys are basically coming to tell their stories and how they got out of the situation, to encourage people to be productive citizens.

Tonight's meeting at Devonshire Rec is at 7 p.m. Saturday's forum at the Temperance Hall, Shelly Bay, starts at 7.30 p.m..

For more information on gangs or to seek advice and support, contact CARTEL on 734 7972.