Page 16 - Kingdom News Edition 4

By Erica McGraw

th
15 and in the beginning the tree was all blue,
During my interview with Leifel Jackson, I but by Christmas Day, the Peace Tree was
was truly amazed at the testimony he shared. I adorned with both red and blue decorations to
just sat and listened to what he said, realizing represent the two major gangs in Little
his big heart. His words painted a portrait of Rock. The efforts were to Stop the Violence
compassion for the children of the community that was happening within the city.
and a desire to bring the community together
as a whole. Mr. Jackson also would take children shop-
ping for gifts during the holiday season for
As Mr. Jackson was sharing, I saw a gentle things they needed and wanted. I was amazed
spirit within him. Those words may not have and thought this was after his time in prison.
defined Mr. Jackson in his former life, but he Since I knew some of his story, I thought this
has made a complete turnaround. His story
reminds me of the story of Saul of Tarsus in
the Bible when he had his Damascus Road ex-
perience. Saul was notorious for killing and
persecuting Christians. But after his encounter
with Jesus Christ; he began to protect them by
sharing the wisdom he gained so that their
lives could improve.

One may ask, “Who is Leifel Jackson?”

Leifel Jackson is
the founder of
Little Rock’s was after he had been incarcerated. I asked
“Original Gang- Mr. Jackson, “When did you transition from
ster Crips” in the being the OG Shot Caller to being a Commu-
early 1980s. As nity Activist?” “Before my time in prison”, he
he was sharing replied, “I was already on my way out of that
his story, he be- lifestyle prior to my time in prison.” He knew
gan to speak there was more to life than the lifestyle he was
about the Peace Tree that was established by living and had a desire to do more for his com-
the Crips in Centennial Park. There was a munity. That is why the Peace Tree was such
public announcement that stated this area is a pivotal moment in Lefiel’s life, he was mov-
sacred and neutral territory for Crips and ing toward a more peaceful lifestyle.
Bloods. The tree was set up on December
One fateful day, The City of Little Rock had a
community event centered around the Peace
16 ~ Kingdom Magazine
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