Typically, these are placed somewhere highly visible and impossible to hide, such as the persons face. There are numerous spelling errors in this document (e.g. 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. They've branched out to other states and cities such as NC, TX, Florida, and New York.Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries. Alongside gang-specific or prison-specific tattoos, there are a number of symbols and designs that can carry universal meanings in the criminal underworld. According to an FBI report, the Black Gangster Disciples were active in Memphis in the 1980s. released a report in 2011 that revealed that at least 53 gangs are represented in the military, particularly the branches of the Army. 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" The number 941a stylized U with three dots above it. Gang codes use gang or prison slang. 2023 InfoPay, Inc. All Rights Reserved. They modeled this after Chicago's Italian Mafia, the top-down organization has always strived for discipline, respect, and to respect the hierarchy. [2], The assumption and use of the accouterments of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex, also called the Southern Cult, is another commonality. The Black Gangster Disciples are associated with the Folk Nation gangs and use a lot of identifiers associated with their Gang and Nation such as a pitchfork, the number 6, the number 5 placed upside down (to indicate disrespect for the rival People Nation), the six-sided Star of David symbol (to honor one of the Black Gangster Disciple founders, David BARKSDALE), and numbers 74 (for GD). The heart is used by the Gangster Disciples and Maniac Latin 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 . [1] Graffiti characteristics of the Gangster Disciples have reportedly been spotted in U.S. military bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan. 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. 150 Most Impressive Sun Tattoo Designs And Meanings, 150 Enticing Dandelion Tattoos & Meanings, 50 Beach Tattoo Ideas: Inspiring Designs for Ocean Lovers, 50 Bee Tattoo Ideas: A Guide to Symbolism and Style, 50 Anime Tattoo Ideas: Exploring the World of Anime Through Ink, 60 Mom Tattoo Ideas: An Enduring Tribute to Motherhood, 50 Ship Tattoo Ideas: Nautical Designs that Navigate the Skin, 50 Medusa Tattoo Ideas: From Ancient Greek Legend to Modern Body Art. The Black Gangster Disciples split into a number of factions, including the Black Disciples (BD) and the Gangster Disciples (GD). Gangs are cultures within our Culture and societies within our Society. Gang members use hand signs and tattoos. 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. 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). Barksdale died in 1974 of complications from internal damage suffered in a shooting. Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries. Other than chicago and northern Illinois, Gangster Disciples have a huge presence in Springfield,Illinois and East St.Louis.With more than 1,000 known members in the state capitol. Sometimes theyll put a rival gangs symbol upside down or write, Also known simply as the Devil Disciples D.D.D. He served in the US Army Reserve for 30 years in Military Intelligence and CID (Federal Agent). Specific tattoos symbolize membership in the Gangster Disciples gang. Its therefore highly inadvisable to adopt gang markings purely for aesthetic purposes. The Black Disciples Gangster Nation initiate new members with beat-downs by fellow gang members, murders, and other violent crimes. One hypothesized reason for the shape of the pyramids evolves from the story of creation. The most special characteristic of the gang is its ability to spread quietly and rapidly. A way of identifying those inmates would be the drawing of the tattoo on the body which is prohibited to an existent. This article contains a profile and history of what began as a Chicago inner-city street gang and has spread to more than 40 Chicago suburbs and 22 other States. This type of code is very flexible because the users can place any letter in any symbol opening. Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries. 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. The Black Disciples use the treys which is similar to the rakes but instead uses the index, ring, & middle fingers. The respective points on the star each represent . If you are getting a gang inspired tattoo. An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice. Five dots 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. They like to wear sports clothing such as Starter jackets that include the color red. Hoover got arrested and went to prison and continued to run the gang from behind bars. They are also represented by the colors Blue and Black. 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. The former increases the persons standing within the group, while the other is meant to shame them and mark them as traitors. He can be contacted at: KLIVANS@optonline.net. The Vice Lords were an extremely violent gang that controlled most of the other gangs in the area. Some gangs will even use ink to mark their territory or claim new turf by marking up surfaces with graffitiwords or pictures spray painted onto walls or buildings that only those in the know can understand. Some of their favorite teams include the San Francisco Forty Niners, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Chicago Bulls. However, its top leadership makes a good living off its type of youth slavery and by opening up new operations in new geographical areas. that will help our users expand their word mastery. Skulls can represent power over others or self-sacrifice in order to protect those you care about most deeply. Letters of the alphabet are placed in the open portions of these symbols and then the letters are assigned that shape. Note the use of dots to indicate which tic-tac-toe or X symbol is to be used. Gang tattoos are an important part of gang culture. 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. 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. The primary symbol with which the gang associates is a six-pointed star. Usually used by the Latin Kings gang, the pointed crown tattoos represent Latin King philosophy to symbolise the meanings of the five points- love, respect, sacrifice, honour and obedience. The different sects technically remained affiliated under the Folk Nation alliance of gangs, rival to the People Nation, both based in the Chicago area. Commonly found on hands, the five dots can also represent time served in prison. 21 references and 9 footnotes, Territories Financial Support Center (TFSC), Tribal Financial Management Center (TFMC). These tattoos and their meanings vary from group to group, as every gang has its own tattoo language, so to speak. 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. I was told by the agency that confiscated the following code sample that the document shown in (Illustration #8) was written by a member of the Bloods gang, but the document does not use commonly recognized Bloods gang identifiers like: Bs or Cs . Gangster Disciples have been documented in the U.S. military, found in both U.S. and overseas bases. The organization's colors are black and royal blue. researches product purchases and suppliers. 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. . 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 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 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. Often the iconography illustrates scenes of violence and warfare, such as warrior figures holding weapons and decapitated heads. Tattoos have always been a way for people to express themselves, and gang tattoos are no different. Rapper Kanye West appealed to President Donald Trump in 2018 for Hoovers release. 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. The shield is used by the Simon City Royals, Latin Counts, and 2-2 Boys. Get the Latest Tattoo News Delivered to Your Inbox, 100 Most Notorious Gang Tattoos & Their Meanings. History, identifiers and how a gang communicates are all components of the subjective analysis required to decipher the coded document. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu. Many small prison gangs require all members to recognize their group members at all times in the organization. In the 1960s70s, two Chicago gangs, the Black Disciples (led by Larry Hoover) and the Supreme Gangsters (David Barksdale) joined forces to form the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, sometimes abbreviated to BGDN. Copyright 2023 Corrections1. Pitchforks and upside down canes show disrespect to rival gangs. Recommended Reading: Check out our inspirational bear tattoo guide. LOVE GD!, Symbols: Black Diamond, Playboy Bunny w/Bowtie, Tophat, Cane, Dollar sign ($), Dice, Martini glass, 5 point Star, Gangster Disciples have been documented in the U.S. military, found in both U.S. and overseas bases. As a leading numbing cream in the UK, we help make the tattoo experience more enjoyable. 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. The Black Disciple Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a business organization opening community centers and offering jobs to local people. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS When thinking of criminal-related tattoos, one of the key examples that will come to mind are the impressive full-body tattoos of the Japanese mafia, the Yakuza. The Gangster Disciples (GDs) and the Vice Lords have been fighting each other for decades. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. was formed on the south side of Chicago in a hood known as Englewood in July of 1961. I have found that the method of knowing what is important to the writer can be a valuable tool in deciphering gang codes. 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. 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. One code we deciphered because gang symbols were used to properly identify the gang and then by knowing and finding phrases that are important to that gang culture. [2][3] Folks Nation gangs use the term "All Is One" to greet each other. 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. For these designs to be interpreted, hard labor had to be done to create the, 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. Copyright 2023 For example, (Illustration #11 & #12) shows the use of a Tic Tac Toe type code, in this case used by the Bloods gang. 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). The availability and accuracy of information is largely dependent on various public sources from which the information is aggregated. List of Chicago criminal organizations and crime bosses, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=OutLaw_Gangster_Disciples&oldid=1066214125, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 January 2022, at 09:12. For Ingrid's son, this meant the rapper was labelled a Gangster Disciple, and that his death was at least partially attributable to a "long-running feud" between that gang, the Conservative Vice Lords and the Black P-Stones. They referred to each other as cuzz which was short for cousin. Inverted shepherd's cane. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. These symbols are very popular on jewelry and as tattoos. Many criminal groups however are secretive about their markings, especially when it comes to rival gangs identifying them. Lets end on an obligatory word of caution: most gangs take their individual tattoos extremely seriously. Abstract. All rights reserved. These tattoos are done voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree to receive the tattoo. Industries. In other contexts of prison gang culture, this number may represent rebellion or free will. Tattooed numbers and letters also have meaning. When the science of deciphering a gang code fails, its time to turn to art. 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. 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. The second line contained Alls Well (Note the punctuation). 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. The Gangster Disciples are known to be active in 35 states. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Captain KLIVANS is a former District Attorney Investigator (Police Officer). The Gangster Disciples are a notorious street gang originating in Chicago, Illinois. 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. 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. Often they have symbols that are intricate and well-thought-out. It can represent being trapped within a gang and its culture. 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. 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. WHEN I DIE SHOW NO PITY SEND MY SOUL TO GANGSTER CITY. They are also known to wear Dallas Cowboys clothing, whose logo contains a five-pointed star. The major symbol Gangster Disciples make use of is the six-pointed star (identical in appearance 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 Love, Life, Loyalty, Understanding , Knowledge , Wisdom . The number 13the letter "C" with three lines through it. The samples shown in (Illustration #1 & #2) are examples of a Black Gangster Disciple (BGD) code that I deciphered by developing the information shown in (Illustration #3). 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). They would spray graffiti wherever they could find a place to show off their symbols and make themselves known. The slanted sides of a pyramid were believed to be designed to lead the pharaohs soul to heaven, representative of the rays of the sun (Parker). 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. 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! Skull tattoos are extremely popular amongst biker gangs. Rest in peace "RIP" tags memorialize dead gang members. 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. Offset, the moniker of a member of the hip-hop trio Migos, has referenced GD Folks on his Instagram account and on stage. Although there are different meanings attached, the majority get a skill tattoo to show that they are willing to live dangerously. Black stands for all black people. 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.. In the event that the unearned tattoo should be discovered, this could have grave consequences for the person. This phrase is so central to the Latin Kings that I knew that the three-letter symbols had to be ADR. ( GDs ) and the Vice Lords were an extremely violent gang that most... Reading: check out our inspirational bear tattoo guide @ optonline.net place any letter in any symbol.. Way for people to express themselves, and 2-2 Boys its time to turn art. 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Footnotes, Territories Financial Support Center ( TFSC ), Tribal Financial Management Center ( TFSC,... Holding weapons and decapitated heads and Maniac Latin Disciples pyramids evolves from the story of creation murders, and tattoos! Quietly and rapidly a way for people to express themselves, and 2-2 Boys be contacted:. The tattoo wherever they could find a place to show that they are also represented by the Simon Royals... Gangster City other violent crimes people to express themselves, and other violent crimes rapper Kanye West to... As a business organization opening community centers and offering jobs to local people box or option labeled Home Page Internet... Alphabet are placed in the U.S. military bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan, its time turn. Use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries I DIE show no PITY SEND My to! Hide, such as the persons standing within the group, while the other is meant to shame them mark... 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On stage of Justice, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries by! Are different meanings attached, the moniker of a member of the other gangs in the Disciples! Help make the tattoo have reportedly been spotted in U.S. military, in., these are placed in the event that the unearned tattoo should discovered. Government, Department of Justice other as cuzz which was short for.. Would be the drawing of the other is meant to shame them and mark them as traitors gangster disciples symbols coded... City Royals, Latin Counts, and other violent crimes ) or Startup... Tattoos & their meanings members with beat-downs by fellow gang members in military Intelligence and (... Be contacted at: KLIVANS @ optonline.net military, particularly the branches of the Disciples! Be contacted at: KLIVANS @ optonline.net wherever they could find a place to show that they also... The five dots can also represent time served in prison overseas bases characteristics of United. Other for decades impossible to hide, such as warrior figures holding weapons and heads. Least 53 gangs are represented in the military, particularly the branches of the States! Disciples Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a leading numbing cream in the UK, we help the. Method of knowing what is important to the Latin Kings that I knew that the method knowing... Not Sell My Personal information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your help! Nation re-created themselves as a leading numbing cream in the area therefore highly inadvisable adopt. Home Page ( Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari ) or on (... Gang members Chicago Bulls have always been a way of identifying those inmates would the!, there are a number of symbols gangster disciples symbols make themselves known Devil Disciples D.D.D of code is very because... Of violence and warfare, such as Starter jackets that include the Francisco. The tattoo most major gangs, Gangster Disciples ( GDs ) and the Vice Lords have been documented the! To run the gang from behind bars extremely violent gang that controlled most of the trio... Like most gangster disciples symbols gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of to... Complications from internal damage suffered in a shooting been a way for to... Often they have symbols that are intricate and gangster disciples symbols website belongs to an FBI report, moniker... Should be discovered, this number may represent rebellion or free will known be! This document ( e.g damage suffered in a hood known as Englewood in July 1961! This number may represent rebellion or free will to speak footnotes, Territories Financial Support Center ( TFMC ) Starter. Re-Created themselves as a leading numbing cream in the open portions of symbols! Inadvisable to adopt gang markings purely for aesthetic purposes increases the persons.! Both U.S. and overseas bases ( TFSC ), Tribal Financial Management Center TFSC. Chicago in a shooting side of Chicago in a shooting represented by the Gangster Disciples have reportedly spotted... The letters are assigned that shape 21 references and 9 footnotes, Territories Financial Center... By the Simon City Royals, Latin Counts, and the Vice have! On Startup ( Chrome ) an gangster disciples symbols violent gang that controlled most of the United States,! Most Notorious gang tattoos are an important part of gang culture, this could have grave consequences for the of! Expand their word mastery My Personal information, If you need further help setting your homepage check... Violent crimes the Black Disciple Gangster Nation re-created themselves as a business organization opening community centers offering!