Once a known gang member, Louisville man files to run for Metro Council to 'spread some positive change'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For years, Demetrius McDowell made a name for himself as a gang member on the streets of Louisville. He earned his reputation the old fashioned way: in gangs, trafficking drugs and multiple stints in prison.

"To this day, the younger individuals will come up to me and say 'Hey, I remember you. You know, the projects, on this street, it is this type of car, and you had this amount of money,'" McDowell said Thursday.

With just days left in 2023, the Louisville Metro Police Department has investigated 150 criminal homicides this year, a number that represents a slight decrease from previous years but still the fourth-straight year of 150 or more. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said earlier this year that gangs are "definitely" to blame for some of the violence that plagues the city.

"We definitely have a gang problem here," Greenberg told WDRB News on Thursday. "Roughly 30% of our homicides are group- or gang-related."

While McDowell admits to being part of the problem for years, he now takes pride in being part of the solution. Since being released from prison in 2014, McDowell has worked 9-5s, for Metro Government, the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods at the Chestnut Street YMCA, YouthBuild and more.

Several years ago, McDowell formed his nonprofit, "Bosses not Bangers," through which he teaches youth that they don't have to be a product of their environment.

"I think I've served and helped ... at least over 500 kids," McDowell said.

Now, he's on a different journey, one in which he hopes to make a name for himself at City Hall. A few weeks ago, he was surrounded by some of the same young people he's helped as he stepped up to run for a seat on Metro Council.

"I feel like if I could drug traffic in this city, I can spread some positive change," he said.

In October, District 4 Councilman Jecorey Arthur announced he would not run for reelection, so McDowell wants his seat and support. But neither are guaranteed.

"When he stepped down and told me he was stepping down, I actually had a conversation with him," McDowell said. "I asked him to endorse me. ... He was like, 'Just let the people decide.'"

Some people who live in District 4 have already decided.

"We need somebody good that's going to back us up," Darlene Shepard, a Smoketown resident, said Thursday.

"The 360 that (McDowell) has performed is beautiful, and he's helping the youth, and I believe he can help the community," said Paul Williams, a business owner in the area.

Below is the full list of other candidates for the seat: