The 'List' Your Child Should Never Be On

Rusty Surette, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- For the first time, a local principal revealed a list your child should never be on and if your kid ever makes it on that list, it's likely too late. The damage is done.

Seeworth Academy Principal Mongo Allen is seen as loving and care-free to most, but behind his big laugh and huge smile, he's haunted by a list sitting in his office desk.

"The list is based off of all the kids I've come in contact with that have ended up in jail or dead because of the choices that they made," said Allen. "The list has one common denominator: All the kids are in gangs, they are gang affiliated or have gang like behavior."

Of all the names and faces on the list, Antwun Parker's is that one that sticks out. The 16-year-old was shot and killed during a botched robbery in 2009.

"What did they think was going to happen when you walk into a pharmacy with a gun and point it at somebody?" Allen asked. "Did you think he was going to chocolates or milk or Christmas presents? That's not real life."

What bothers the principal most is the fact that Parker was in his office just hours before he was killed and he told Parker he needed to change his life around or else he'd be on the list.

"This is why the list is relevant. Because these young men made choices they can't take back. The list feeds off bad choices. It's a monster. It just grows bigger," said Allen.

While there's nothing Allen can change about the kids' names on the list, he is working hard to stop more students from ending up with a similar fate.

Allen just finished making a film called "The List." It's a look at how and why Oklahoma's children are turning to gangs and crime.

He said the documentary is finally a chance for his message to reach a larger audience, because if it doesn't, he fears for the future of our children, our schools and our community.

"If we don't get a containment on it fast, Oklahoma is going to be like Detroit. It's going to be like Chicago or Los Angeles. We have the power now to stop it," Allen said. "The list is going to keep getting longer if we don't get involved with these kids lives and we don't start making a difference right now, today."

Allen's goal is to get his film shown to schools, churches and families all across Oklahoma. Right now he's working on finding someone who will help support him in his mission.

"The one thing about the list you're going to remember is there's always room for one more," Allen said.