Get The Scoop On Our Exclusive Interview with Kenya Ware Executive Producer of Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Exclusive Interview with Kenya Ware, Visionary and Executive Producer of

Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army

Kenya Ware, the visionary behind Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army, a groundbreaking documentary set to premiere in late summer 2025, speaks candidly about her journey to bring Raymond Washington's powerful and complex story to the screen.

A seasoned industry professional with notable credits like Shameless, King Richard, and Straight Outta Compton, Kenya Ware has carved a unique space for herself as an advocate for compelling storytelling, especially those that highlight untold narratives of social significance.

In this exclusive interview, Kenya shares her personal connection to Raymond Washington’s story, the process of creating the documentary, and her hopes for its impact on communities affected by gang culture.

Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army is not only a reflection of Raymond’s vision for unity, but also a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of community neglect and the systemic issues surrounding gang culture.

 Exclusive Interview With
Visionary Producer Kenya Ware On Her New Film
"Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army"
Continues After Sponsor's Message Below...

Please Support Our Ad Sponsors Who Make This Community News Blog Possible. And Don't Forget To Tell Them You Saw Their Ad in The Scoop!

---

Click Here To Order

---

Exclusive Interview With
Visionary Producer Kenya Ware on
Her New Film
"Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army"
Continues Below...

Black News Scoop Question: Kenya, what inspired you to tell the story of Raymond Washington and the creation of the Crips?

Kenya Ware: I first learned about Raymond Washington’s story through his nephew, Ronald Thompson, Jr who spent 29 years in prison. When he was released, I knew it was my responsibility to carry this story forward.

I’m a storyteller, and the Washington family trusted me to tell Raymond’s story in the right way. It’s a story of power, survival, and the unintended consequences of a young boy’s vision for unity and protection. The world deserves to understand the truth behind what happened and how a movement born out of hope turned into something much larger than anyone could have ever imagined.

Black News Scoop: You’ve had the unique privilege of speaking with Raymond’s mother, before she passed. How did that shape your approach to the film?

Kenya Ware: Raymond’s mom, Violet Barton called me her “6th child,” and she trusted me completely to carry the story. She was a single mother who carried not just her son, but an entire nation on her back.

Before she passed, she told me that her son’s story was in good hands with me, and that meant everything. Her love for Raymond and for the community fueled my commitment to get his story right. It’s an honor to be the one to tell it, and I’m dedicated to making sure it’s done authentically.

Black News Scoop: The documentary explores the impact of gang culture on communities. What do you hope people take away from it, especially those in areas most affected by gangs?

Kenya Ware: I hope the film sparks a conversation about mutual respect—respect for each other, for our elders, and for the younger generation. We need to get back to respecting one another.

My ultimate hope is that a young person at risk of joining a gang watches this film and decides to put the gun down. I want them to see that there’s a better way to live and that violence isn’t the answer.

Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army, is about offering hope, education, and a chance for real dialogue.

Black News Scoop: What challenges did you face in making sure the documentary stayed true to Raymond’s legacy and accurately reflected the history of the Crips?

Kenya Ware: The biggest challenge was ensuring the film was authentic and didn’t sensationalize anything. I relied heavily on the family and those closest to Raymond—his friends, his peers, the people who lived through it with him.

I wanted to make sure we respected his vision and legacy while also shedding light on the complex history of the Crips. This isn’t about glorifying gang culture; it’s about understanding how it came to be and what lessons we can learn from it.

Black NewsScoop: The documentary features a unique moment where gang leaders from various factions come together. Can you tell us more about that?

Kenya Ware: That moment was one of the most powerful in the film. We set up a “long table” where leaders from different gang sects, ranging in age from 20 to 70, came together to share their journeys and the pain they caused.

It was unprecedented, and it created an atmosphere of openness and healing. It was real, raw energy that sparked a genuine conversation about accountability, respect, and the impact of gang life. That long table was incredibly effective in creating a space for dialogue and transformation.

Black News Scoop: You’ve been deeply involved in community outreach. How has the film tied into those efforts?

Kenya Ware: I’m proud to say that the film is not just a project for the screen—it’s part of a larger community initiative. We’ve partnered with organizations in South Central, Long Beach, and Compton, working closely with people on the ground who are doing incredible work.

This documentary is about raising awareness and also providing tangible resources for those affected by gang culture. It’s about building relationships and starting conversations that will help people in these communities heal and move forward.

Black News Scoop: What message would you like to leave with the viewers of Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army?

Kenya Ware: I want viewers to walk away with a sense of understanding, empathy, and hope. Raymond Washington’s story is a complex one, and it’s about more than just gangs—it’s about the systemic issues that led to their creation and the ways in which we can work together to create safer, stronger communities.

This film is about humanizing the people involved and showing that, at the end of the day, we all need to love and respect one another.

"Crip: The Boy Who Built An Army," is set to premiere in select theaters in late summer 2025, with plans for digital and streaming distribution to follow.

Stay connected with Kenya Ware Films and the film by following on social media:

Instagram: @iamkenyaware, @kenyawarefilms

Facebook: Kenyaware

TikTok: Kenyaware

For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, please contact: Pamela Broussard, BNM Publicity Group, email: bnmotionpr@gmail.com

Get Promotions Or Products To Enhance Your Business or Life Below

---

While there are brilliant persons on the Autism Spectrum celebrated today, very little media stories focus on people, especially women of color. Our co-publisher's new bio-pic "nZinga's Spectrum In 3D," is a moving and inspirational documentary on how a young Black woman RISES to overcome her challenges.

nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop.  The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.

Checkout Nzinga's Spectrum in 3D now Click Here. Please share

---

Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.

She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.

About the Black News Scoop - covers national and global news focused on reporting positive, insightful, and empowering news for the international Black Community.

No Spam Only the Weekly Scoop on Southeast Queens

Since you are here think about this please.  Do You Want The Southeast Queens Scoop and Black News Scoop To Continue To Promote Empowering News and Events largely ignored by the corporate owned mainstream media?

Since most Black businesses don't have large ad budgets then please consider donating to ensure we can continue our media efforts.  We appreciate all contributions ($5, $10, $15, $20, +) no amount is too small. Please donate now below or read more on donations.