MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- In October 2003, Ann Lee will launch People Against Gang Violence (PAGV) in Minneapolis. Lee's organization hopes to curb gang violence in the chilly Midwestern city, which has been wrought by havoc for more than a decade. Lee first became involved in the cause after a disturbing case that took the lives of five children in a devastating fire. The fire, and the violence surrounding it, is the subject of her new book, Code of Silence: The Andre Coppage Story (now available through 1stBooks).
In this true story, Lee vividly portrays the horrors of gang life by telling the story of Andre Coppage and his involvement with the notorious St. Paul, Minn., gang called the Six Mob Gangsters. Andre joined the gang but changed his mind when he became an eyewitness to a brutal murder. Andre broke their code of silence and gave a statement to the police. After the gang found out, Andre was beaten and threatened by members of the gang. The threats culminated when a firebomb exploded at his home, killing his five brothers and sisters.
Lee tells how the incident rocked the community and infused people with anger. Investigations were launched and activists for the community urged citizens to get involved and fight for justice.
A true story of common heroes standing up to the chaos in their community, Code of Silence is a spine tingling, emotional account of how a community reclaimed their neighborhoods from a violent gang.
Lee is a professional nurse. A powerful public speaker, Lee hopes that her new organization, PAGV, will help steer young people away from the trappings of gang violence. Code of Silence is her first book.
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