boys becoming

[notletrest]

"Ambitious colored boys becoming gamblers or hoboes because no one will try them at responsible work."What is function of "boys becoming...?"

thanks a lot!

[Frank Antonson]

"Ambitious colored boys becoming gamblers or hoboes because no one will try them at responsible work."What is function of "boys becoming...?"

thanks a lot!

It seems to be a gerund with a subject, but I would like to point out that there is no predication here so you do not have a complete sentence (or clause).