"We don't exactly have a hand-in-handrelationship with the police," says Meredith.
Al Hill, a 17-year-old Dorchester resident anda member of Gang Peace, says that Gang Peace is"the only place for kids around here."
Members, who stand out with their black, hoodedGang Peace sweatshirts, may be most visible in thesummer when they organize "concerts on thecorner." Members of the group built and decorateda stage on a vacant lot across the street from theGang Peace headquarters, and the group heldseveral concerts featuring local performers.
Even when they are not sponsoring the concertthemselves, Gang Peace members are often apresence at concerts and other shows, spreadingthe word about the group and taking care ofsecurity.
One local DJ, who asked not to be identified,says that Gang Peace is an effective securityforce because they "know every gang member inBoston."
It is difficult to tell who is in charge atGang Peace. Although youth are actively involvedin recruiting new members and running workshops,one thing is clear--Dailey is the one who keepsthe group going day-to-day. No Dailey, No GangPeace.
Dailey knows that, and exercises carefulcontrol over the organization.
"This is my little baby," says Dailey. "I'vegot to protect it and say what it eats."
Dailey operates in the "midst of madness," in acommunity where he says "no one deserves to livelike we live."
He calls himself a "recovering addict, ex-gangmember and ex-drug seller" who was told by God tostart Gang Peace.
"I care about my young, black brothers who aredying," says Dailey. "And we can't sit and waitfor the city and police to change things for us."
He is very cautious about media coverage ofGang Peace, denying this reporter permission totalk to any of his staff.
Although Dailey appears to garner respect fromgang members and politicians alike, he does notfeel safe when he is "in the trenches."
"We've got the Mob and the Klan hovering aroundus," he says. "Everybody is not concerned aboutGang Peace or about my life."
Patricia Dee, executive vice-president ofWainwright Bank, which owns the building thatcontains Gang Peace headquarters, says thatDailey, though "an energy visionary type," issometimes "not practical" in his plans for GangPeace, citing a desire to rehabilitate a buildingthat is beyond repair.
She says that Dailey once "panicked" when abroker brought a potential buyer to the building.
"He had 20 kids place calls to the president ofthe bank," she says.
The group is about to embark on a fund-raisingcampaign to raise money for the building of a newheadquarters and youth center. Gang Peace will be