Shanduke McPhatter

Shanduke McPhatter is a community leader based in Brooklyn, New York City. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Change (GMACC), a non-profit organization that focuses on gun violence prevention and social justice issues. He is a reformed Bloods gang leader.

Life and career

McPhatter grew up in public housing in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. His mother raised him, but he never knew his father.

In 1999, he earned a job as a security guard, working with a company until 2001, when it was discovered they were in violation of a state law prohibiting convicted felons from working as security guards. He went back to selling drugs at that time in Gowanus, Brooklyn. He also earned his GED while in prison. and Brooklyn council member, Jumaane Williams, to combat gun violence. Williams advocated for GMACC, partially because its programs were similar to the Cure Violence program in use throughout the city. This eventually led to GMACC receiving government funding. In addition to organizing marches against gun violence, the organization also offers mental health counseling, job training, conflict mediation, educational resources, and mentorship (among other services). New York City officials credited the organization for a 30% reduction in gun crime in its precinct between 2012 and 2017.