A UNO professor’s new book focuses on the life and experiences of an Omaha Police Department gang intervention specialist.
Theresa Barron-McKeagney’s book is called My Little Corner of the Sky (Mi Rinconcito en el Cielo). It tells the story of Alberto Gonzales, the South Omaha gang intervention specialist for OPD, and his early struggles with gangs, drugs, and addiction. Gonzales became the South Omaha gang intervention specialist last year after many years with the Boys and Girls Club.
McKeagney says Gonzales’ story is about the paths people follow in life, and choices they make.
"In Alberto’s case, he had to go down a lot of different paths in order to get to where he is now. And he says without those choices that he made in his life, he would not be where he is today. But he wants to let people know they don’t have to make those choices. They don’t have to go down the wrong path for so long in order to get to the place where they should be."
McKeagney says spirituality also played an important role in Gonzales’ life.
McKeagney began the book project several years ago. She says although she knew Gonzales well, she learned more about him in the process.