Gangs are an issue in this community.

This fact is hard to accept, but it’s so. If you’re in doubt, just look at the graffiti on the walls of buildings and other structures around town. Listen to the testimony in local courtrooms, especially when a shooting is involved.

Selmont Baptist Church pastor David Perry could tell you all about gangs. He’s a former member of one, who has served time in prison.

Instead of keeping quiet, Perry has offered to help his community be becoming involved. He wants to reach out to those young people who have joined gangs or those who might consider becoming affiliated with one of the gangs in Selma.

Perry speaks from experience.

Many young people are lost to gangs because there is nothing else for them to do. The minister is suggesting youth work programs through citywide initiatives to teach new skills to young people.

The issue, he said, isn’t about to disappear. Drug trafficking makes for quick, easy money. Organized crime makes drug trafficking easier. Gangs, if they are not starved for membership, will only become stronger.

Perry says he will gather 100 other former inmates and ex-gang members March 1 at 1 p.m. at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, then sweep through local schools to talk to young people about the choices they make in their lives.

Parents and other community members need to become involved in this effort for a couple of reasons. We need to save the children. We need to cut youth crime at the root of its source.