In the 1960s the Conservative Vice Lords transformed themselves from a street gang into an organization devoted to the economic and social empowerment of the African American community in Lawndale.

Their story has been largely forgotten and their accomplish-ments remain hidden from the present generation.

They proved that young Black people from the streets can unite and with thier own hands, build a better future. They also showed that their steps forward would be vehemently opposed by the white political establishment

This is the pictorial story of their success and repression. It is one of the greatest lost opportunities in the history of America.