Gangster Disciples
| Founding location | U.S.(Chicago) |
|---|---|
| Years active | Late 1960s – present |
| Territory | Nationwide |
| Ethnicity | Mostly African American |
| Membership | 35,000+ |
| Criminal activities | Drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, murder, prostitution |
| Allies | Folk Nation, Black Guerilla Family, Black Mafia Family, Crips,[1] Zoe Pound |
| Rivals | People Nation, Black P. Stone, Vice Lords, Latin Kings, Four Corner Hustlers, Bloods |
The Gangster Disciple is a gang which was formed on the South-side of Chicago in the late 1960s, by Larry Hoover, leader of the High Supreme Gangsters, and David Barksdale, leader of the Black Disciples. The two groups united to form the Black Gangster Disciple Nation (BGDN).
The gang has made several attempts to legitimize their image. Some members dropped the "B" and began to call themselves GDs or Gangster Disciples. In the 1990s the Gangster Disciples entered into politics in the Chicago tradition of Black Panthers, Black Stone Rangers, Latin Kings, Vice Lords, Black Disciples and Young Lords through the formation of the "Growth and Development" movement. Outside of Chicago some gangs will still go by the old name of BGD.[2]
Gangster Disciples have been documented in the U.S. military, found in both U.S. and overseas bases.[3] Graffiti characteristic of the Gangster Disciples has been reportedly seen in U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Symbols, signs and emblems
Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries. This system is a combination of symbols that represent the Gangster Disciple Nation or the Folk Nation as a whole and symbols that rivals use to represent their organization, typically inverted to show disrespect.
Colors and apparel
Gangster Disciples "represent" with the colors black and blue. Gang members are known to wear Georgetown Hoyas or Duke Blue Devils clothing.
Six pointed star
The predominant symbol this criminal gang makes use of is the six-pointed Star of David (✡). The symbol pays homage to founder David Barksdale,and the six points are said to represent love, life, loyalty, understanding, knowledge, and wisdom (respect).
References
- ^ http://info.publicintelligence.net/NGIC-Juggalos.pdf
- ^ "Black Gangster Disciples". Gang Prevention Services. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
- ^ "Gangs Increasing in Military, FBI Says". McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. 30 June 2008.