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Interviewees: Marion "Tiny" Frampton, Wildman, and Mike Sherman

Interviewers: Dr. Mark Naison, Dr. Steven Payne

Summary by Eliza Anderson

January 20, 2022

Disciplines

African American Studies | Public History

Abstract

Part 1 of an oral history with former Black Spades members Marion “Tiny” Frampton, “Wildman,” and Mike Sherman. All three are now leaders of TBS New Direction, a community safety nonprofit founded by Frampton that works with former gang members to make a positive impact on the youth. The interview was conducted by Dr. Steven Payne, Director of the Bronx County Historical Society, and Dr. Mark Naison, Director of the Bronx African American History Project.

Tiny, Wildman, and Mike talk about the conditions in the Bronx in the late 1960s and early ‘70s that led them to join the Black Spades, highlighting the realities of racial division in the Belmont and Patterson communities. Wanting to be part of a Black collective was a key motivator, as well as the necessity of protecting Black communities in majority white or Puerto Rican neighborhoods. They talk about what made the Spades so successful, emphasizing the family aspect of the gang and its universality. The impact of community centers and the relationship between the Spades and other organizations is a major topic. Wildman recalls their connection to the Black Panthers, and Tiny talks about how a sit-down at St. Mary’s started to bridge divides with the Puerto Rican community and the Bachelors.

They also bring up the problems that continue to plague Bronx neighborhoods today. Tiny points out the importance of the community centers and churches which have now closed, cutting off lines of support for today’s youth. Turf wars, which involve more and more different groups in small areas, make it so that kids from different projects cannot benefit from community initiatives outside of their homes. The work of TBS New Direction is seeking to reach these kids and help them to “imagine” a life beyond gangs. They highlight asking questions, listening, and encouraging youth to use their phones as a tool for research as important strategies in this work.

Link to Video Recording: https://cdm17265.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/baahp/id/71/rec/13

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