sundance

Youth Counselor

BIO

Creep was born Darel Evans at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey to Michelle Meacham and Daryl Evans. He was raised in the Weequahic section of Newark, primarily by his two grandmothers, Charity Meacham and Bertha Evans. His parents were in and out of his life when he was growing up.

Creep was an above-average student and was heavily involved in sports like baseball, football, basketball, and swimming. By the eighth grade his interests had shifted to stealing cars because it was something to do in Newark. He overcame nerves to become very proficient, and went as far as stealing the car belonging to his school’s dean. His luck ran out when he was busted in a stolen car with marijuana and guns.

Prior to his arrest, Creep had spent a brief period living with his father in Allentown, PA. There, he had a relationship with a local girl, April Bailey, who became pregnant. Creep’s daughter, Tianna Bailey, was born while he was locked up at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.

At the youth center, Creep endured fighting and beatings from the guards. He was also exposed to gang culture through other teenagers who were members of the Bloods and Crips. Admiring the way the Crips moved, he set his sights on getting out and making up for everything he missed out on while in jail. He was drawn to the well-organized gang not only by the prospect of hustling and making money, but by the very evident loyalty and camaraderie the members had for each other.

Upon his release, 18-year-old Creep dedicated himself to two things:
being a father to Tianna, and being a Crip. Selling drugs, strapped with guns, and putting in the work, Creep moved up the ranks to OG status. But the life had its toll and he began thinking differently about gang-banging. His friends were either getting locked up or dying, with no real option in between. Changing course, Creep started working as part of an anti-gang initiative within the Newark community. His work as a street activist led to a position at the respected Newark therapeutic center, Integrity House.

Creep also was reunited with Jayda, a member of the Bloods he had first met when he was 18. Their romance was a Romeo and Juliet story by virtue of their rival gang affiliations, but it did not end tragically. Instead, their union symbolizes unity and leadership within their community. He and Jayda moved in together and on New Year’s Eve 2009, she gave birth to their child, Layla Anyai.

Currently, Creep is working with at-risk young males as a coordinator at Integrity House on the weekends, and at the New Jersey Food Bank on weekdays. He is developing a career in comedy, and assists Jayda with her 9 Strong Women program. He is devoted to the full-time care of his family: Jayda, Tianna, Aljahmeir, and Layla Anyai.

For the record, Creep is not anti-gang. He believes that not all gangs are negative, and that those who are can be steered in the right direction.