d'n'd

It is the early 1980’s. The nice suburban North Bronx neighborhood of Baychester inches downward. Its courage and self-pride wane. Burglaries and gang activity increase. Murders unintentional or plotted are up. The police who care are discouraged. Crack-cocaine proliferates particularly among the young.</P><P>But the neighborhood is <I>D’N’D</I> (deaf and dumb) minding its own business and keeping its collective mouth shut. Avoiding retaliation. Avoiding its own conscience.</P><P>One ninth grader ignores the rule and loses his life.</P><P>Hollis Gault an eighth grader—formerly D’N’D—surprises even himself and opens his mouth. He and his family are now in the crosshairs.</P>