Big Mike: A powerful presence
Gang interventionist Michael Cummings, a former Grape Street Crip, talks to kids near the Jordon Downs housing project in South Los Angeles. He is as imposing as a defensive tackle and wields absolute respect in the neighborhood where he grew up. Parents adore him. Gangbangers listen to him. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
Cummings, 45, walks children to school. The tow-truck driver, Pentecostal pastor and former gangbanger can read the subterranean forces in his neighborhood like a seismologist sees the stress points in the shifting earth. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
Cummings tries to spot emerging conflicts between the neighborhood’s gangs and squelch them before they explode. He scans for hard stares and gang signs anyone throwing their set-up. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
For seven years, Cummings did gang intervention work for free. Now, he says, he takes home about $17,000 a year. He would make more if he spent the time driving his tow truck. He is always on call, going to crime scenes, police meetings and midnight basketball games. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)
