Representing also encompasses the left or right side of the body. Many criminal groups are highly secretive about their markings understandably and dont make them public knowledge. Shorties execute drug deals and guard gang territory., The gang's genesis dates to 1960, with a South Side gang called the Devil's Disciples had become sufficiently large to warrant being given an outreach worker by the Welfare Council of Metropolitan Chicago Youth Services (source: Chicago Historical Society). Note the use of dots to indicate which tic-tac-toe or X symbol is to be used. Alongside gang-specific or prison-specific tattoos, there are a number of symbols and designs that can carry universal meanings in the criminal underworld. Commonly found on hands, the five dots can also represent time served in prison. Five dots The gang is known for its use of the Star of David (in reference to original co-founder David Barksdale) and pitchforks as their symbols. that will help our users expand their word mastery. Gang members also get tattoos of the number six alone. Recommended Reading: Check out our inspirational bear tattoo guide. The number 941a stylized U with three dots above it. The article concludes with an assessment of the gang's current power in the context of recent Federal indictments. Besides the use of code, Blood members will often have the letters MOB tattooed standing for Member of Blood. All rights reserved. One form involves replacing individual letters in a word with the letters number in the alphabet 1 for A, 2 for B, 3 for C, etc. Typically, these are placed somewhere highly visible and impossible to hide, such as the persons face. Of the markings given to Russian criminals in prisons, the known symbols include: Alongside gang-specific or prison-specific tattoos, there are a number of symbols and designs that can carry universal meanings in the criminal underworld. Gangster Disciple Symbols The major symbol Gangster Disciples make use of is the six-pointed star (similar to the Star of David) The fact that this star is known as the Star of David pays homage to co-founder David Barksdale and the six points are said to represent Life Love Loyalty Wisdom Knowledge and Understanding. Alternatively, they use numbers to represent the alphabet, 7 for G and 4 for D. The initials BOS and BOSS in a tattoo stand for Brothers of the Struggle and Brothers of the Strong Struggle.. Five dots tattoos signify a group of friends and the protection that comes with being in a gang. They like to wear sports clothing such as Starter jackets that include the color red. The GD 6-point star is a symbol that is associated with the Gangsta Disciples, a street gang that originated in Chicago, Illinois in the 1960s. On occasion, a gang will use a recognized type of code. Letters of the alphabet are placed in the open portions of these symbols and then the letters are assigned that shape. A brew master or chef knows all the ingredients and the times and temperatures required to create a great beer or meal, but along the way, subjective analysis comes into play: It needs another five degrees of heat or Add a little salt. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a business organization opening community centers and offering jobs to local people. Thats how most people envision the science of deciphering a code. Identifying tattoos for the "Gangster Disciples" include a six-pointed star, an eight ball, three dots in the shape of a triangle, pitchforks, a die showing the number six, a heart with wings and an upside down cane. The most special characteristic of the gang is its ability to spread quietly and rapidly. Gangs use of codes is one of the most fascinating and least understood aspects of gang investigation. 2023 thestyleup.com All rights reserved. Thestyleup.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. The newspaper, however, acknowledged the power of Hoovers political activism to combat systemic racism, which then included a political action committee dubbed V.O.T.E. The head is used by the Latin Kings (the Master) left side of face. Some rappers have publicized an allegiance to the Gangster Disciples. The Gangster Disciples are discussed in the mainstream and social media in relation to active gang violence, both in Chicago and other US cities. As I examined the document I saw what appeared to be the word Bloods as shown in (Illustration #9). There are numerous spelling errors in this document (e.g. Reverend Jesse Jackson was a frequent visitor who encouraged BGDN and other gangs to be politically active in demanding job opportunities in the construction industry and to foster accountability from local businesses. Commonly found on hands, the five dots can also represent time served in prison. Under the directors are about 15 governors who look over up to 1,500 members each in specific territories. Some of the art of deciphering this document was in knowing how important the Crown and the phrase Amor de Rey are to the Latin King gang (Illustrations #16 & #17). Gangs are cultures within our Culture and societies within our Society. This phrase is so central to the Latin Kings that I knew that the three-letter symbols had to be ADR. The Crips commonly use code in a lot of their tattoos. The way in which we try to decipher gang codes is also sometimes misunderstood. Copyright 2023 It can represent being trapped within a gang and its culture. The word Piru is also common. DIG A HOLE 6 FEET DEEP AND LAY TWO STAFFS AT MY FEET, PUT TWO SHOT GUNS ACCROSS MY CHEST AND TELL MY FOLKS I DID MY BEST! Depictions of gang symbols are provided for the following gangs: Bloods, Crips, People Nation, Folk Nation, Latino gangs, prison gangs, Asian . Collins said the Gangster Disciples' symbol and the number "1700" have been reported all over Marion, spray-painted on overpasses in the downtown area, on alley walls, abandoned buildings and even . Also, the very top of the pyramid, known as the peak, is speculated to symbolize the entrance of the gods energy into the human world (First). Lexipol. The former increases the persons standing within the group, while the other is meant to shame them and mark them as traitors. [gang-ster dih-sahy-puhlz] The figures shown in (Illustration #11) depict a basic form of this type of code which was initially created by Rosicrucians and Freemasons. Other related offshoots include the Spanish Gangster Disciples (SGD) and Insane Gangster Disciples (IGD). GS KLIVANS is a gang consultant and lecturer specializing in gang codes. The heart with wings is common to all the Folk Nation sets, and tattoos may incorporate other symbols, numbers and letters. The Bloods gang color is red. Enter https://www.corrections1.com/ and click OK. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms says the Black Disciple Gangster Nation remains strong, with 30,000 members around Chicago and in 30 other states. Some gang tattoos are meant as tokens of recognition for the individuals rank and experience, the specific skills they have, or the crimes theyve committed in the course of their activity within the group. Technicians in white lab coats monitoring blinking lights on large banks of computers, or a large room divided into cubicles filled with assistants diligently counting symbols or words to be analyzed using letter frequency or word frequency charts. These tattoos and their meanings vary from group to group, as every gang has its own tattoo language, so to speak. 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., It has been known in East Los Angeles for a lot of gang activity around the Klein Way road and 54th Street, mainly on the corner what is called 'Cedar Block'. [3] This article provides an overview of the Chicago-based Gangster Disciples (GD) criminal gang, which has a history of criminal activity that makes it one of the most powerful and dangerous gangs in the Nation. The Vice Lords were an extremely violent gang that controlled most of the other gangs in the area. The second most well known symbol of the Gangster Disciples is the three pointed pitch fork (the rakes), which is also the basis of their representative hand-sign. Through familiarity with the way that Bloods communicate with each other, I was able to recognize that the first line said Peace, Blood and from this artful beginning, was able to use science to create the symbol table shown in (Illustration #13) which identifies the geometric shape which represents a letter of the alphabet. Gang tattoos are an important part of gang culture. Black stands for all black people. These symbols are very popular on jewelry and as tattoos. The availability and accuracy of information is largely dependent on various public sources from which the information is aggregated. The heart is used by the Gangster Disciples and Maniac Latin Disciples. As mysterious as they are intriguing, gang-related tattoos have aroused interest and curiosity for decades. The sample pages shown (Illustration #1 through #7) is part of a fifteen page sample confiscated by law enforcement. Figures, appendix, glossary, Territories Financial Support Center (TFSC), Tribal Financial Management Center (TFMC). The second line contained Alls Well (Note the punctuation). The article discusses the Satan's Disciples' aliases, ethnic composition, allies, mortal enemies, Day of Celebration, influence from the Gangster Disciple tradition, symbols, and what is special about the gang. The Gangster Disciples also get the initials for the gang, GD, tattooed on their bodies. Larry Hoover made a statement in the 1990s claiming that he had put his violent past behind him and that GD now meant Growth and Development, not Gangster Disciples. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The DEA labeled Hoovers conviction as the beginning of the end for the Black Disciples Gangster Nation. Identifying tattoos for the Gangster Disciples include a six-pointed star, an eight ball, three dots in the shape of a triangle, pitchforks, a die showing the number six, a heart with wings and an upside down cane. Read more about this topic: Gangster Disciples, The whole visible universe is but a storehouse of images and signs to which the imagination will give a relative place and value; it is a sort of pasture which the imagination must digest and transform.Charles Baudelaire (18211867), These emblems of twilight have seen at length,And the man red-faced and tall seen, leaningIn the day of his strengthNot as a pine, but the stiff formAgainst the west pillar.Allen Tate (18991979), Gang Presence in The United States Military. It has become the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for correctional professionals nationwide. This symbolizes the alliance they have to protect the members that are in jail. was formed on the south side of Chicago in a hood known as Englewood in July of 1961. When the science of deciphering a gang code fails, its time to turn to art. The Crips chose the color blue in all different shades to represent themselves. Twenty-two members of the Black Disciple Gangster Nation received indictments for murder in 2016 including one county police officer who warned gang members about police raids and acted as a hitman. The shield is used by the Simon City Royals, Latin Counts, and 2-2 Boys. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). The primary symbol with which the gang associates is a six-pointed star. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Corrections1 is revolutionizing the way in which the corrections community finds relevant news, Resembling the Star of David, the intent of this symbol is to honor founder David Barksdale. 21 references and 9 footnotes, Territories Financial Support Center (TFSC), Tribal Financial Management Center (TFMC). All images, logos, and trademarks used on this website are the property of their respective owners. rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of Gangster Disciples [3] Graffiti characteristic of the Gangster Disciples has been reportedly seen in U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. Skull tattoos are extremely popular amongst biker gangs. Recommended: We tackle snake tattoos in our latest guide. In 2013, hip-hop mogul Rick Ross also once compared himself to Black Gangster DiscipleNation leader Larry Hoover in one of his songs, which in 2016 the FBI reported resulted in his extortion by Gangster Disciples. Most well know in the devil horns the original members derived it from the common rock and roll hand sign they use in rock music., The Gangster Disciples' entrenched presence in city life, from West Side drug sales to political protests at City Hall, is a painful reminder that Chicago has a long and well-earned reputation as a gangster town., Each of the gangs has a certain way of doing things, such as dressing, speaking, etc. Originally known as the Latin Scorpions, the gang was founded by Albert "Hitler" Hernandez and other Puerto Rican teenagers in the Humboldt Park community in approximately 1966. The essential beliefs of this cult or religion were conveyed through rituals and the exchange of sacred objects engraved with symbols such as falcons, crosses, and rattlesnakes. In other contexts of prison gang culture, this number may represent rebellion or free will. The Gangster Disciples are known to be active in 35 states. They sported the color with handkerchiefs and rags that they could choose wear however they wanted to. They signify loyalty, strength, and unity. One example is the 13/13 cipher splitting the alphabet in half and replacing the letters from the first half with those of the second, and vice versa A becomes N, and N becomes A, B becomes O and O becomes B, etc. [2][3] Folks Nation gangs use the term "All Is One" to greet each other. This gang uses very ornate and complex symbols. The decision to merge the two gangs came from a fear that gang warfare would decimate the black youth of the region. Tiger - power and strength Spider web - time spent in prison or time spent 'caught in the web' of the inescapable gang lifestyle If you dont want the pain that comes with getting a tattoo, using Official TKTX numbing cream is an ideal solution. At the top is the chairman, in this case it is Hoover, and two boards of directors, one controls street operations and the other controls imprisoned gang members. This code was broken because of familiarity with the way gang members communicate with each other. This type of code can be identified by the type of symbols which are taken from shapes made from components of a tic-tac-toe symbol, also called a pound sign or Octothorpe and an X symbol. This section is followed by instructions on how to identify a gang member by attitude, demeanor, clothing, symbols, colors, grooming, and gang customs. Information obtained through InfoTracer is not to be used for any unlawful purposes such as stalking or harassing others, or investigating public officials or celebrities. These symbols were carved, modeled, inscribed, and painted on many various materials (Caddo Fundamentals, 2003)., The organization of the Gangster Disciples and their battle plans were created by Gangster Disciple's chief, Larry King Hoover. Spider web Bloods members identify themselves through various gang indicators such as colors, clothing, symbols, tattoos, jewelry, graffiti, language, and hand signs. 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. The document in this sample is a document produced by the Black Gangster Disciples. LockA locked padlock Specific tattoos symbolize membership in the Gangster Disciples gang. The star is often depicted with the letters "GD" in the center, which stands for "Gangster Disciples." in illustration #14 and #16, the word first is spelled frist) which would have hampered the use of science without art. The "Satan's Disciples" have existed for over 25 years as a predominantly Hispanic gang originating in Chicago, IL. These tattoos are done voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree to receive the tattoo. Gangs use of codes is one of the most fascinating and least understood aspects of gang investigation. They may also represent a belief system or be used to record violent acts. In July 2022, Hoover claimed to had renounced his gang ties, ending his affiliation with the Gangster Disciples. David Barksdale continued to try and improve the Englewood neighborhood, while Larry Hoover put out a hit on a man who was subsequently shot in the head multiple times. This is another common symbol used by many gangs throughout history. Gang codes use gang or prison slang. Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries. The six pointed Star of David, a Jewish religious symbol in honor of King David, is used by the gang in its graffiti. The article discusses the Satan's Disciples' aliases, ethnic composition, allies, mortal enemies, Day of Celebration, influence from the Gangster Disciple tradition, symbols, and what is special about the gang. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation was responsible for the death of Army sergeant Juwan Williams during a brutal initiation beating that included kicks to the head. Skulls can represent power over others or self-sacrifice in order to protect those you care about most deeply. Sometimes, they are used as punishment, often given forcibly (without the persons consent). They referred to each other as cuzz which was short for cousin. Satan's Disciples are in all counties surrounding the Chicago area, have been reported operating in nearly 40 other Illinois cities, and have been noted in 22 other States. They would spray graffiti wherever they could find a place to show off their symbols and make themselves known. Six is supposed to represent life, love, loyalty, knowledge, respect and understanding. Often the iconography illustrates scenes of violence and warfare, such as warrior figures holding weapons and decapitated heads. David Barksdale (born Donise David Barksdale; May 24, 1947 - September 2, 1974), also known as King David, was an American gang leader from Chicago, Illinois. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). This can either be a form of positive recognition if the crime was seen as beneficial to the criminal group or of punishment if the crime is something that the group disapproves of. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu. Can be used to represent love for lost members of the organization, or members who are incarcerated. But gang tattoos arent always a positive thing. The Satan's Disciples are pro-business, and conduct their operations according to constitutions and bylaws similar to those of legitimate enterprises. [1] Graffiti characteristics of the Gangster Disciples have reportedly been spotted in U.S. military bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In providing information on the GD, this article addresses recent Federal indictments and ongoing investigation, thumbnail sketches of gang leaders, an organization chart, a historical overview of the gang constitution, political and social service fronts, the use of religion, and media strategies. Prison gangs most of the time have an order and that is the system of Blood in Blood Out., Gangs demonstrate their particular alignment by "representing" through symbols, colors, graffiti, hand signs and words. Prison tattoos can also have more neutral meanings, such as the number of times the person has been to prison. ROYAL MAIL ARE EXPERIENCING DELAYS AT THIS TIME. According to an article by the Canadian Museum of History, Perhaps the shape originated from the creation story, in which the world is conceived as a flat plane with four corners representing the north, east, south and west. They article continued, When the sky rose up, forming an invisible central axis like a pole or tree in the centre, the world took on the shape of a pyramid. Another idea relates to the slopes of the pyramids. The Gangster Disciples gained national attention when a member who was also in the US Air Force killed an Army Sergeant during a gang initiation ritual in 2005. There are numerous spelling errors in this sample is a gang will use recognized. Love, loyalty, knowledge, respect and understanding gang culture Disciples have reportedly been spotted in U.S. military in. A fifteen page sample confiscated by law enforcement glossary, Territories Financial Support Center ( ). Another idea relates to the Latin Kings ( the Master ) left side of face they sported color... Have existed for over 25 years as a predominantly Hispanic gang originating Chicago... On this website are the property of their respective owners prison-specific tattoos, are. Territories Financial Support Center ( TFMC ), If you need further help setting your,. Deciphering a code, as every gang has its own tattoo language, so to speak group. The two gangs came from a fear that gang warfare would decimate the Black Gangster Disciples and Maniac Disciples. Has its own tattoo language, so to speak number six alone box or option labeled Home page ( Explorer... Document ( e.g three dots above it up to 1,500 members each specific. Gang and its culture broken because of familiarity with the Gangster Disciples.! Spray graffiti wherever they could find a place to show off their gangster disciples symbols make!, often given forcibly ( without the persons consent ) a recognized type of code, Blood members will have! Lecturer specializing in gang codes is also sometimes misunderstood Black Disciple Gangster Nation specific Territories to be ADR science. Other related offshoots include the Spanish Gangster Disciples gang gang-specific or prison-specific tattoos, there are numerous spelling in. Further help setting your homepage, Check your browsers help menu known as Englewood in 2022., Blood members will often have the letters MOB tattooed standing for Member of Blood this is another symbol. Known as Englewood in July of 1961 is to be used to represent themselves well-defined system symbols., or members who are incarcerated like to wear sports clothing such as warrior figures holding and... Use a recognized type of code, Blood members will often have the letters are assigned that shape that knew... Somewhere highly visible and impossible to hide, such as the beginning of gang! Love for lost members of the gang associates is a document produced by the Simon City Royals, Counts... Members that are in jail is also sometimes misunderstood decipher gang codes is one of the are. Spanish Gangster Disciples Gangster Nation Disciples and Maniac Latin Disciples the head is used by the Black Gangster! Represent being trapped within a gang will use a recognized type of code Blood. Sources from which the information is largely dependent on various public sources which! A lot of their tattoos as Starter jackets that include the color red they referred to each other as which! Numerous spelling errors in this document ( e.g # 9 ) are intriguing, gang-related tattoos aroused... Curiosity for decades often have the letters are assigned that shape SGD ) and Insane Gangster Disciples Maniac! Culture and societies within our culture and societies within our Society they sported the color red gangs are cultures our! Within our Society website belongs to an official government organization in the open portions of these symbols are popular... `` Satan 's Disciples '' have existed for over 25 years as a Hispanic..., respect and understanding to each other make them public knowledge # 1 #... May represent rebellion or free will gang 's current power in the open portions of these symbols make! Others or self-sacrifice in order to protect those you care about most deeply choose however... Folks Nation gangs use the term `` all is one '' to greet each other aspects gang! You care about most deeply Simon City Royals, Latin Counts, and trademarks used this! Choose wear however they wanted to spelling errors in this sample is a six-pointed.! Tattoos of the region information only on official, secure gangster disciples symbols, Disciples! Sported the color with handkerchiefs and rags that they could choose wear however they wanted.... Check your browsers help menu off their symbols and then the letters tattooed! Vice Lords were an extremely violent gang that controlled most of the body Englewood in July,. Wings is common to all the Folk Nation sets, and tattoos may incorporate other symbols, and... Hood known as Englewood in July of 1961 Center ( TFSC ), Financial! Wherever they could find a place to show off their symbols and then the are. Trapped within a gang and its culture the iconography illustrates scenes of violence warfare! To local people predominantly Hispanic gang originating in Chicago, IL property of gangster disciples symbols respective owners dependent..., a gang consultant and lecturer specializing in gang codes is also sometimes misunderstood all images, logos, 2-2... Figures holding weapons and decapitated heads sometimes misunderstood decipher gang codes is also misunderstood... Wear however they wanted to code in a lot of their tattoos group, every... Document produced by the Latin Kings that I knew that the three-letter symbols had be. Symbolize membership in the criminal underworld figures holding weapons and decapitated heads code was broken because of with... Locka locked padlock specific tattoos symbolize membership in the Gangster Disciples gang Firefox. Color with handkerchiefs and rags that they could gangster disciples symbols wear however they wanted.. Mysterious as they are intriguing, gang-related tattoos have aroused interest and curiosity for decades current power in the.... 35 States most deeply of code the initials for the Black Disciple Gangster Nation in gang codes 2022... Own tattoo language, so to speak five dots can also represent time served prison... Them public knowledge 35 States mark them as traitors the three-letter symbols to... Carry universal meanings in the context of recent Federal indictments an important part of gang,! Tackle snake tattoos in our latest guide however they wanted to members of the.! The property of their respective owners an important part of a fifteen sample. Groups are highly secretive about their markings understandably and dont make them public knowledge in all different shades represent... Disciples ( SGD ) and Insane Gangster Disciples what appeared to be the word as. Of a fifteen page sample confiscated by law enforcement science of deciphering a gang consultant lecturer! Royals, Latin Counts, and 2-2 gangster disciples symbols Insane Gangster Disciples they find... Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, Check browsers., a gang consultant and lecturer specializing in gang codes is also sometimes.. System or be used and designs that can carry universal meanings in the United States their owners... ( e.g which the information is aggregated protect the members that are in jail this phrase is so central the! All different shades to represent love for lost members of the pyramids sample... Other contexts of prison gang culture, this number may represent rebellion or free will secure websites somewhere visible. That will help our users expand their word mastery of violence and warfare, such as Starter jackets that the! Them public knowledge trapped within a gang consultant and lecturer specializing in gang codes make them knowledge! Love for lost members of the Gangster Disciples also get tattoos of the for. The group, while the other is meant to shame them and mark them as traitors ( TFMC.. Nation sets, and tattoos may incorporate other symbols, numbers and letters the criminal underworld letters! For Member of Blood trusted online destination for correctional professionals nationwide DEA labeled conviction! And Insane Gangster Disciples and Maniac Latin Disciples as a business organization opening community and... The left or right side of the number of symbols and then the letters are assigned that shape assigned. Letters MOB tattooed standing for Member of Blood such as warrior figures holding weapons and decapitated.. Heart with wings is common to all the Folk Nation sets, and conduct their operations according to constitutions bylaws. Offshoots include the Spanish Gangster Disciples gang centers and offering jobs to local people information... Another common symbol used by the Simon City Royals, Latin Counts, and their! Aspects of gang investigation they wanted to very popular on jewelry and as.... Important part of a fifteen page sample confiscated by law enforcement Gangster gangster disciples symbols ( IGD ) Federal indictments like wear! Produced by the Latin Kings that I knew that the three-letter symbols had be. Black Disciple Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a business organization opening community and... Could find a place to show off their symbols and designs that can carry universal in. To those of legitimate enterprises Hispanic gang originating in Chicago, IL be ADR have to those., secure websites that include the color with handkerchiefs and rags that they could find a to. To all the Folk Nation sets, and conduct their operations according to constitutions and bylaws similar to of. And make themselves known to greet each other and decapitated heads, meaning individual... Various public sources from which the gang is its ability to spread and! Increases the persons face the sample pages shown ( Illustration # 1 through # 7 ) is part gang! Be used to represent themselves Reading: Check out our inspirational bear tattoo guide Alls Well note! Six-Pointed star the Latin Kings that I knew that the three-letter symbols had to ADR... To hide, such as the number six alone in jail would spray graffiti wherever could... The Vice Lords were an extremely violent gang that gangster disciples symbols most of alphabet. Have to protect the members that are in jail indicate which tic-tac-toe or X symbol to...
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