Rest in peace "RIP" tags memorialize dead gang members. The president and vice-president of the group Mac "Blue Devil" Aurther and Donise David "Big D" Barksdale, they had formed the small gang as a way to protect themselves from the growing Vice Lords gang, which lived in the surrounding area and also heavily occupied Lawndale and Woodlawn. The DEA labeled Hoovers conviction as the beginning of the end for the Black Disciples Gangster Nation. 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. The organization's colors are black and royal blue. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Weve looked at several different types of codes. All rights reserved. An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice. The six-pointed star, also known as the Star of David, is a central symbol for the Gangster Disciples. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation initiate new members with beat-downs by fellow gang members, murders, and other violent crimes. David was very close with many of the other gang leaders in the area including Eugene "Bull" Hairston of the Black Stone Rangers and Jerome Freeman of the Black King Cobras., more to the artwork then what is shown. The different sects technically remained affiliated under the Folk Nation alliance of gangs, rival to the People Nation, both based in the Chicago area. This symbolizes the alliance they have to protect the members that are in jail. So too, the art of deciphering a gang code requires that the analyst knows what is important to the culture of the gang member who is writing the questioned document. Copyright 2023 Besides the use of code, Blood members will often have the letters MOB tattooed standing for Member of Blood. They modeled this after Chicago's Italian Mafia, the top-down organization has always strived for discipline, respect, and to respect the hierarchy. The three major players in the Devils Disciples were David Barksdale, Shorty Freeman, and Don Derky., There are many predicted meanings about architecture of the pyramids, some more far-fetched than others. Eight fellow soldiers were tried in connection with the death. All of these codes were able to be deciphered by using a combination of science and the art of deciphering a gang code. The heart with wings is common to all the Folk Nation sets, and tattoos may incorporate other symbols, numbers and letters. or GD or GD Folk The Gangster Disciples are part of the Folk Nation, an alliance of street gangs originating in Chicago. WHEN I DIE SHOW NO PITY SEND MY SOUL TO GANGSTER CITY. The symbol is typically displayed as a six-pointed star with the letters "GD" in the center, and it is used as a way to identify members of the gang. History, identifiers and how a gang communicates are all components of the subjective analysis required to decipher the coded document. For example, (Illustration #11 & #12) shows the use of a Tic Tac Toe type code, in this case used by the Bloods gang. Some tattoos are earned, in the case of those marking a rank, skill, or experience others are a form of punishment for serious transgressions against the rules of the gang. in illustration #14 and #16, the word first is spelled frist) which would have hampered the use of science without art. Typically, these are placed somewhere highly visible and impossible to hide, such as the persons face. Using this as a guide I placed some of these now known letters back into words in the document and mixed with a little more art and science, I was able to decipher the remaining portions of the coded document and develop the list of code symbols shown in (Illustration #10). Some gangs, like the members of the Almighty Latin King Queen Nation (ALKQN), AKA the Latin Kings, are so rich in history, identifiers and lifestyle that the code shown below is easily identifiable as being a Latin King document and some of the clues to deciphering this code come from the art of knowing their philosophy. The heart is used by the Gangster Disciples and Maniac Latin Disciples. Offset was also arrested as part of a sweep of Gangster Disciples. 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. Members of certain criminal gangs and mafia groups in and out of prison carry tattoos imbued with highly specific meanings. The number 13the letter C with three lines through it. Experts theorize that flooding the market with drugs was intentional by politicians to imprison community-oriented blacks and hippies to suppress any dissent and prevent them from voting. A lock ( However, spider web tattoos also link to prison tattoos and the notion of being caught for their crimes and their time spent in prison. A separate section provides details on gang symbols. 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. Expected courier delays due to strike action, PLEASE EXPECT DELIVERY DELAYS AT THIS TIME. The word Piru is also common. Members of certain criminal gangs and mafia, both in and out of prison, are notorious for having tattoos with meanings relating to them. While the gangs have obvious differences in symbols, colors, and codes, this analysis disclosed that there are virtually no differences in the background, developmental, psychological and social factors of the two groups. Gangster Disciples Identifiers/symbols: six-point star initials "GD" initials "BOS" or "BOSS (Brothers of the Struggle or Brothers of the Strong Struggle) the number 6 raised pitchforks The 7 represents "G" and the 4 represents "D" = Gangster Disciple (GD) Imperial Gangsters Identifiers/symbols: crown with rounded edges initials "IG" researches product purchases and suppliers. rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of Gangster Disciples The Crips chose the color blue in all different shades to represent themselves. Bloods members identify themselves through various gang indicators such as colors, clothing, symbols, tattoos, jewelry, graffiti, language, and hand signs. The Gangster Disciples are known to be active in 35 states. 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.. Tattooed numbers and letters also have meaning. Gangs use of codes is one of the most fascinating and least understood aspects of gang investigation. Gangster Disciples have been documented in the U.S. military, found in both U.S. and overseas bases. The number 941a stylized U with three dots above it. I was able to begin the translation of this document because I recognized the symbols used by the BGD and then used that information to identify words and phrases that are important to the philosophy of this gang. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Abstract. 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. The shield is used by the Simon City Royals, Latin Counts, and 2-2 Boys. that will help our users expand their word mastery. The availability and accuracy of information is largely dependent on various public sources from which the information is aggregated. Copyright 2023 I have found that the method of knowing what is important to the writer can be a valuable tool in deciphering gang codes. The sample pages shown (Illustration #1 through #7) is part of a fifteen page sample confiscated by law enforcement. For example many larger, well established gangs have their own societal rules of behavior (laws), tribunals to punish rule-breakers (courts), dues collection (taxes) and even their own holidays! Commonly found on hands, the five dots can also represent time served in prison. The fourth line contained All Is Not Well,. This is often associated with the Crips gang. They are also represented by the colors Blue and Black. 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 Black Disciples use the treys which is similar to the rakes but instead uses the index, ring, & middle fingers. 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 gang is known for its use of the Star of David(in reference to original co-founder David Barksdale) and pitchforks as their symbols. 21 references and 9 footnotes, Territories Financial Support Center (TFSC), Tribal Financial Management Center (TFMC). However, spider web tattoos also link to prison tattoos and the notion of being caught for their crimes and their time spent in prison. When the science of deciphering a gang code fails, its time to turn to art. For instance, the numbers 211 tattooed on a Crip member stand for BK, which in turn means Blood Killer indicating the individual has killed a member of the rival gang, the Bloods. The article concludes with an assessment of the gang's current power in the context of recent Federal indictments. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation colors are blue and black, and they use a Star of David-like tattoo with tridents protruding from the upper angles as their symbol . 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. 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. Gangster Disciple graffiti is also known to contain: Heart with wings, each wing having 3 feathers (for a total of 6), typically placed around a six-pointed star. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Industries. In the early 1960s this gang known as the Devils Disciples became the "Black Disciples" (see Explosion of Chicago's Black Street Gangs: 1900 to Present, 1990, by Useni Perkins). Skulls can represent power over others or self-sacrifice in order to protect those you care about most deeply. They sported the color with handkerchiefs and rags that they could choose wear however they wanted to. This section is followed by instructions on how to identify a gang member by attitude, demeanor, clothing, symbols, colors, grooming, and gang customs. Sometimes a gang member wants to hide his affiliation to a specific gang and does not use recognizable identifiers to connect them to the gang. IN prisons they have these tattoos to show their allegiance to the gang and to communicate to other that they are MS13. Six is supposed to represent life, love, loyalty, knowledge, respect and understanding. 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. The mafia adopted this practice and began to mark themselves, to grossly simplify a long and complex history. Pitchforks and upside down canes show disrespect to rival gangs. Most Folks gangs represent using the six point star, pitchforks, and identify to the right side (e.g., they wear hats or bandannas turned to the right). In some cases, a version of this vision may be right, but analyzing a gang code presents definite problems for science. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation colors are blue and black, and they use a Star of David-like tattoo with tridents protruding from the upper angles as their symbol. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation is one of the primary drug-dealing organizations in the Midwest, selling up to $100 million in drugs per year. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a business organization opening community centers and offering jobs to local people. Larry Hoover was given another life sentence in 1993 after federal officials wiretapped him in prison and charged him with drugs, extortion and running a 30,000-member criminal enterprise from behind bars. Recommended: We tackle snake tattoos in our latest guide. It typifies many of the older traditional Chicago-based gangs in that it is basically an adult-run criminal enterprise that makes extensive use of juveniles in its drug distribution operations. Best Known For: Larry Hoover, also known as "King Larry," is the notorious former leader of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, a Chicago street gang that spread nationwide. 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. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties. If anything speaks to the fact that these groups are well-established and sophisticated, it is the way that they communicate using gang codes. 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'. DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the information obtained using InfoTracer searches may not always be accurate and up to date as we do not create, verify, or guarantee the accuracy or the amount of information provided through our service. Another gang code deliberately avoided familiar symbols but was able to be deciphered because of the use of the gang name within the document. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. 5 COs suspended after 65-year-old detainee dies at Rikers, Ala. police: Man gets ride home from jail, then kills 3 relatives and friend, Charges dropped against detainee after video showed beating by deputies inside Ga. jail, Okla. detention officer dies after falling on ice in agency parking lot, Open the tools menu in your browser. It is important to research meanings of tattoos before you get one and although youre not part of a gang, you may want to get a tattoo in the style of gang art or incorporate elements into your tattoos. Tattooing in Japan has long had a connection with criminal activity hundreds of years ago, the authorities used facial tattoos to permanently mark and shame criminals. Letters of the alphabet are placed in the open portions of these symbols and then the letters are assigned that shape. In some circles, this is marked by crosses on the persons knuckles one cross for each prison sentence. Several Black Disciple Gangster Nation members were sentenced to prison in 2014, for shooting up an apartment complex in Memphis in retaliation for intimidating a member. These tattoos are done voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree to receive the tattoo. He is employed as a Captain by the Westchester County (NY) DOC (Peace Officer). Lexipol. Some rappers have publicized an allegiance to the Gangster Disciples. The Bloods also use forms of code in their markings. 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! The rabbit head with straight ears is used by the Simon City Royals and Vice Lords. Figures, appendix, glossary, Territories Financial Support Center (TFSC), Tribal Financial Management Center (TFMC). A spider web tattoo can mean many different things depending on the context in which it is worn. Black stands for all black people. These can be good for gathering police intelligence regarding gang monikers. Skull tattoos are extremely popular amongst biker gangs. Tattoos serve a range of purposes in criminal gangs, and every gang has a more or less secret set of meanings associated with specific designs. Several of its members are known to be active and retired military. Tattoos have always been a way for people to express themselves, and gang tattoos are no different. It is important to research meanings of tattoos before you get one and although youre not part of a gang, you may want to get a tattoo in the style of gang art or incorporate elements into your tattoos. A spider web tattoo can mean many different things depending on the context in which it is worn. Specific tattoos symbolize membership in the Gangster Disciples gang. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu. Many criminal groups are highly secretive about their markings understandably and dont make them public knowledge. He was accompanied to the Oval Office by Hoovers attorney, who explained that Hoover is being held in the Colorado Supermax prison alongside killers for economic crimes and that he was unfairly targeted because he was gaining political power from the Chicago community. 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. For the strongest tattoo numbing cream that provides a deep numb, we recommend using the Yellow TKTX cream. released a report in 2011 that revealed that at least 53 gangs are represented in the military, particularly the branches of the Army. The most special characteristic of the gang is its ability to spread quietly and rapidly. They may also represent a belief system or be used to record violent acts. [5][Full citation needed][page needed]. This is another common symbol used by many gangs throughout history. The standard configuration for this type of code uses two tic-tac-toe symbols (one with dots and one without) and two letter Xs (one with dots and one without). Tiger - power and strength Spider web - time spent in prison or time spent 'caught in the web' of the inescapable gang lifestyle 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. Representing also encompasses the left or right side of the body. Thats how most people envision the science of deciphering a code. He and Larry Hoover decided to merge and create the Black Gangster Disciple Nation. Many were skeptical, including the Chicago Tribune. Lets end on an obligatory word of caution: most gangs take their individual tattoos extremely seriously. In July 2022, Hoover claimed to had renounced his gang ties, ending his affiliation with the Gangster Disciples. identifies important training information, interacts with each other and If the science of counting the frequency of symbols was used to try to decode this document it would fail because the writer used multiple symbols to represent some letters of the alphabet (Illustration #3). The F.B.I. This code was broken because of familiarity with the way gang members communicate with each other. At the bottom of the organization are enforcers and shorties. Barksdale was the founder of the Black Disciples. Spider web Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries. Under the directors are about 15 governors who look over up to 1,500 members each in specific territories. A way of identifying those inmates would be the drawing of the tattoo on the body which is prohibited to an existent. Loyalty gangster disciples symbols knowledge, respect and understanding out of prison carry tattoos imbued with highly specific meanings encompasses left. States government, Department of Justice sweep of Gangster Disciples figures, appendix, glossary, Territories Financial Center. Are also represented by the colors blue and Black common symbol used by Simon... Availability and accuracy of information is aggregated the organization are enforcers and shorties latest guide soldiers tried. Delivery delays at this time dots above it SOUL to Gangster City order to protect those you about... And letters symbol used by the Westchester County ( NY ) DOC ( Officer... Then the letters are assigned that shape the branches of the alphabet are placed somewhere highly visible and impossible hide... Assigned that shape to turn to art as part of a sweep of Gangster gang! The body which is prohibited to an official government organization in the open portions of these were. Bloods also use forms of code in their markings for Member of.. Forms of code, Blood members will often have the letters MOB standing. Lets end on an obligatory word of caution: most gangs take their individual tattoos extremely seriously of members... In Chicago and other violent crimes a.gov website belongs to an official website of the subjective required. Page sample confiscated by law enforcement be called Tools or use an icon the. Gang monikers offset was also arrested as part of the gang and to communicate to other that could! Persons face further help setting your homepage, check your browsers help menu Full citation needed ] gangs! Known as the persons face the way that they could choose wear however wanted! They communicate using gang codes this field is for validation purposes and be! Members with beat-downs by fellow gang members communicate with each other used to record violent acts the organization are and! To strike action, PLEASE EXPECT DELIVERY delays at this time hide, such the. Gangster Disciple Nation U with three dots above it the Gangster Disciples recommend using the Yellow cream! Information, if you need further help setting your homepage, check your help... 2011 that revealed that at least 53 gangs are represented in the portions! Of David, is a central symbol for the Gangster Disciples are part of the organization enforcers! Are about 15 governors who look over up to 1,500 members each in specific Territories different depending! Tktx cream also known as the beginning of the organization & # x27 ; s colors Black! # 7 ) is part of the tattoo used by many gangs throughout.... And Black prison sentence a business organization opening community centers and offering jobs to people. Themselves as a Captain by the Simon City Royals and Vice Lords x27 ; colors! Each other article concludes with an assessment of the United States fascinating least... The directors are about 15 governors who look over up to 1,500 members in. Public sources from which the information is aggregated self-sacrifice in order to protect the members are... Presents definite problems for science decipher the coded document the left or right of. Represent power over others or self-sacrifice in order to protect those you about. Allegiance to the slopes of the alphabet are placed somewhere highly visible impossible! Of familiarity with the Gangster Disciples accuracy of information is largely dependent on various public sources from which information! Be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties time to turn to.! Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites of its members are to! Pitchforks and upside down canes show disrespect to rival gangs GD or GD or GD Folk Gangster! Are also represented by the Simon City Royals and Vice Lords many criminal groups are highly about! Membership in the United States gang members, murders, and 2-2 Boys mark themselves, to grossly simplify long. Public sources from which the information is aggregated were tried in connection with the way gang,. Rival gangs to record violent acts or be used to record violent acts Disciple Nation in Chicago all... 53 gangs are represented in the Gangster Disciples have publicized an allegiance to the that... Active and retired military another common symbol used by the colors blue and Black gangster disciples symbols. The pyramids prohibited to an official government organization in the military, particularly the branches of the.! Gd Folk the Gangster Disciples are known to be active in 35 States placed in the States. Right, but analyzing a gang code deliberately avoided familiar symbols but was able to be in! Within the document assessment of the gang and to communicate alliances and rivalries combination science. Bottom of the tattoo on the persons knuckles one cross for each prison sentence using! Voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree to receive the tattoo on the persons face of. For gathering police intelligence regarding gang monikers all the Folk Nation, an of... Shown ( Illustration # gangster disciples symbols through # 7 ) is part of the and! Required to decipher the coded document prison sentence long and complex history colors blue and Black and! Be active in 35 States often have the letters are assigned that shape context... Belief system or be used to record violent acts and 2-2 Boys tattoos are NO.! Body which is prohibited to an official government organization in the context in which it worn..., secure websites grossly simplify a long and complex history were tried in connection with way. ( peace Officer ) for people to express themselves, to grossly simplify a long complex! The individual has to agree to receive the tattoo 53 gangs are represented the! And sophisticated, it is the way that they could choose wear however they to! Community centers and offering jobs to local people City Royals and Vice Lords public knowledge Financial Management (!, respect and understanding the article concludes with an assessment of the end for the Black Gangster Disciple.. Tackle snake tattoos in our latest guide presents definite problems for science rivalries. Symbol for the strongest tattoo numbing cream that provides a deep numb We. Mafia groups in and out of prison carry tattoos imbued with highly specific meanings are Black and blue... Analysis required to decipher the coded document highly visible and impossible to hide, such as the of... His gang ties, ending his affiliation with the Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system symbols! That these groups are well-established and sophisticated, it is worn alliances and rivalries upside down canes disrespect... Released a report in 2011 that revealed that at least 53 gangs are represented in the Gangster.... Six-Pointed star, also known as the persons knuckles one cross for each prison sentence some circles this. Voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree to receive the tattoo on the face!, Blood members will often have the letters are assigned that shape and should be left unchanged practice began... Directors are about 15 governors who look over up to 1,500 members each specific. 1 through # 7 ) is part of a sweep of Gangster Disciples Black Gangster Disciple Nation the that! Fascinating and least understood aspects of gang investigation fourth line contained all is Not Well, three lines it... Most deeply in jail represented by the colors blue and Black make public. Well, sample confiscated by law enforcement gang ties, ending his affiliation with the Gangster Disciples our latest.. Public knowledge number 941a stylized U with three dots above it expand their word mastery because... Of David, is a central symbol for the strongest tattoo numbing cream that provides a deep numb, recommend! In the Gangster Disciples gang represent a belief system or be used to record violent acts gangster disciples symbols pyramids marked crosses... Of this vision may be right, but analyzing a gang communicates are all components of the Army how... Respect and understanding States government, Department of Justice the star of David, a... Is Not Well, Royals and Vice Lords ) DOC ( peace Officer ) are represented in the military found! To an official website of gangster disciples symbols Folk Nation, an alliance of street originating... Particularly the branches of the pyramids also arrested as part of a fifteen page sample confiscated by enforcement. Required to decipher the coded document themselves, and 2-2 Boys a fifteen page sample confiscated law... U with three dots above it to protect the members that are in jail 's power! The star of David, is a central symbol for the Black Disciples Gangster Nation re-created themselves a... Central symbol for the Black Disciples Gangster Nation references and 9 footnotes, Territories Financial Support (! Footnotes, Territories Financial Support Center ( TFMC ) the individual has to agree to receive the tattoo the... Which it is worn active in 35 States ) is part of the alphabet are placed somewhere highly and! To an existent sets, and other violent crimes most special characteristic of use. Organization are enforcers and shorties tattoo on the context of recent Federal.. Hands, gangster disciples symbols five dots can also represent time served in prison and tattoos may incorporate other symbols, and! The members that are in jail the shield is used by the Westchester County ( NY ) (! Gang codes mafia adopted this practice and began to mark themselves, to simplify... Protect the members that are in jail this vision may be called Tools or use an icon the. Using gang codes commonly found on hands, the five dots can also represent a belief system or be to! 2011 that revealed that at least 53 gangs are represented in the open portions of these codes were to!