A young boy and his family move from harsh circumstances in Puerto Rico filled with dreams of a better life in America, but the boy soon finds himself embroiled in a world of drugs and violence, which leads to tragic circumstances.
It’s the mid 1990’s in Manhattan Valley; a dangerous neighborhood in NYC, and Chango is in charge of the streets. He’s well respected but also feared. He’s put his time in and made sacrifices in order to rise to where he is today.
Years earlier, in the late 1980’s, young Martin came to America with his siblings and mother, who was determined to keep her children away from the world of gangs and drugs. When their living situation becomes unsafe, Martin’s family is forced to live in a seedy welfare hotel with shady characters. There, Martin meets Maquetumba, who bestows upon him the nickname Chango.
Under Maquetumba’s wing, Chango becomes acquainted with the neighborhood and rules of the streets, but avoids the business selling drugs for as long as possible. Chango eventually succumbs to street life the financial opportunities that arise from selling drugs. He is steadfast in his belief that his activities are good for the family because he provides financial stability, but when he learns his sister, Lourdes, is addicted to the crack he so proudly sells, he begins to question his life as a drug lord.
On a deal gone bad, each of the members, except Chango, play ball with the detectives on the task force in order to get a better deal for themselves. Most are sentenced to decades in prison. Betrayal is a nasty game.
THIS STORY HAS TWO POSSIBLE OUTCOMES, one of which may center around one of the most controversial legal cases in nyc’s history–the central park five rape case. check back in a few weeks to find out more.
For more information or to get involved with this project, please reach out to Alixx Schottland directly.
