Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples use a well-defined system of symbols to communicate alliances and rivalries. The sample pages shown (Illustration #1 through #7) is part of a fifteen page sample confiscated by law enforcement. 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. Gang members also get tattoos of the number six alone. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. You can see in (Illustration #12) how the symbols used in the document are formed by the shapes, which are assigned letters of the alphabet. Another sample was a well-known type of code that has been adopted by gangs. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Some of their favorite teams include the San Francisco Forty Niners, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Chicago Bulls. Many small prison gangs require all members to recognize their group members at all times in the organization. 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. Offset, the moniker of a member of the hip-hop trio Migos, has referenced GD Folks on his Instagram account and on stage. 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" 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. It can represent being trapped within a gang and its culture. 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. As I said at the beginning of this article, its important to know about the history, identifiers and whats important to the gang member creating the code. 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. 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. 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. Many were skeptical, including the Chicago Tribune. 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 gang's symbols include the roman numeral three (III), representing 'mind, body and soul', the numbers 2 & 4 which stands for the second and fourth letters of the alphabet "BD", the clinching of the fist which represents two swords protecting the gates of David Barksdale "KING DAVID" the Six Pointed Star representing Love, Life, Loyalty, None of the letter s were crossed out, no familiar three dots in a dog paw pattern. 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 . identifies important training information, interacts with each other and A lock ( 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. They would also wear jogging suits, overalls; L.A. sports team hats, Nike shoes, and Adidas shoes. This code was broken because of familiarity with the way gang members communicate with each other. White is for the flag of Israel, which represents the Star of David. The number 941a stylized U with three dots above it. 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. The Gangster Disciples (GDs) and the Vice Lords have been fighting each other for decades. organization and allied gangs who call themselves "Folks" all have a six pointed star or jewish star with a "G" in it as their symbol.Masons have as symbol like a jewish star or five point star. 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 is another common symbol used by many gangs throughout history. 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. Five dots tattoos signify a group of friends and the protection that comes with being in a gang. The number 13the letter "C" with three lines through it. 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! Other related offshoots include the Spanish Gangster Disciples (SGD) and Insane Gangster Disciples (IGD). The Black Disciples use the treys which is similar to the rakes but instead uses the index, ring, & middle fingers. Industries. Latin Disciples are one of the original . The figures shown in (Illustration #11) depict a basic form of this type of code which was initially created by Rosicrucians and Freemasons. Lexipol. 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. Whether that is to represent their lifestyle, what they have done or their ranking within their specific gang. All rights reserved. Skulls can represent power over others or self-sacrifice in order to protect those you care about most deeply. 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. Captain KLIVANS is a former District Attorney Investigator (Police Officer). Gangs use of codes is one of the most fascinating and least understood aspects of gang investigation. Copyright 2023 The Gangster Disciples symbol is the star of King David which has 6 points, and every point on the star has its own meaning; Love, Life, Loyalty, Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding. He and Larry Hoover decided to merge and create the Black Gangster Disciple Nation. [1] Graffiti characteristics of the Gangster Disciples have reportedly been spotted in U.S. military bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This symbol originates from Vietnam and is usually associated with gang members of the Bloods, gangster disciples and asian triads. Resembling the Star of David, the intent of this symbol is to honor founder David Barksdale. 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). Get the Latest Tattoo News Delivered to Your Inbox, 100 Most Notorious Gang Tattoos & Their Meanings. Offset was also arrested as part of a sweep of Gangster Disciples. Official websites use .gov 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). Alongside the use of the symbol of a three-pointed or six-pointed crown, the Crips use code in a lot of their tattoos. Corrections1 is revolutionizing the way in which the corrections community finds relevant news, 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. Recommended Reading: Check out our inspirational bear tattoo guide. The F.B.I. The Satan's Disciples are pro-business, and conduct their operations according to constitutions and bylaws similar to those of legitimate enterprises. The art of deciphering again provided a starting point. LockA locked padlock 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. Rapper and Love & Hip Hop: AtlantaTV star Lil Scrappy has repeatedly mentioned GD Folk(as in theGangster Disciples and the Folk Nation) in his tweets. This is most commonly used by the Bloods gang; however, it can also be found on other gangs clothing and jewellery as an indicator of affiliation with that particular gang. The Gangster Disciples are discussed in the mainstream and social media in relation to active gang violence, both in Chicago and other US cities. The Devil's Disciples were mostly male African-Americans, 15-18 years of age, frequenting the intersection of 53rd St. and Kimbark Ave., and operated from 53rd and Woodlawn to 49th St. and Dorchester Ave. About the author: GS KLIVANS is a gang consultant and lecturer. He can be contacted at: KLIVANS@optonline.net. [37] The Gangster Disciples use the upward crossed pitchforks ("forks"). The organization's colors are black and royal blue. The second line contained Alls Well (Note the punctuation). 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. They are also known to wear Dallas Cowboys clothing, whose logo contains a five-pointed star. The most special characteristic of the gang is its ability to spread quietly and rapidly. This is often associated with the Crips gang. A way of identifying those inmates would be the drawing of the tattoo on the body which is prohibited to an existent. Members of certain criminal gangs and mafia, both in and out of prison, are notorious for having tattoos with meanings relating to them. 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. 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. All of these codes were able to be deciphered by using a combination of science and the art of deciphering a gang code. 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. InfoTracer is not a "consumer reporting agency" under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA"), and does not provide "consumer reports" under the FCRA. The cream penetrates deep into the skin to manipulate the nerve endings and blood vessels. This is often associated with the Crips gang. 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. [2], The assumption and use of the accouterments of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex, also called the Southern Cult, is another commonality. 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. Alongside gang-specific or prison-specific tattoos, there are a number of symbols and designs that can carry universal meanings in the criminal underworld. Many members also have the letters ALKN (Almighty Latin Kings Nation) tattooed nearby to show their alliance with the gang. These tattoos are done voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree to receive the tattoo. There are numerous spelling errors in this document (e.g. A phrase like Send me a kite might not make sense to the code scientist, and make translation difficult. 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. 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 . It represents death and destruction but also rebirth after death. In July 2022, Hoover claimed to had renounced his gang ties, ending his affiliation with the Gangster Disciples. For the strongest tattoo numbing cream that provides a deep numb, we recommend using the. Abstract. 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. 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. Black stands for all black people. Gangster Disciples have been documented in the U.S. military, found in both U.S. and overseas bases. 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. Finally, we examined a code used by a gang that is rich in culture and history and this code was deciphered as a result of knowing what was important to the code writer. Expected courier delays due to strike action, PLEASE EXPECT DELIVERY DELAYS AT THIS TIME. Dangerously, the notorious gang expands in population and territory throughout the years and are known to have strict rivalry with the gang "Front Yard, Specific symbolism such as MS and they have devil horns. Pitchforks and upside down canes show disrespect to rival gangs. 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'. They would spray graffiti wherever they could find a place to show off their symbols and make themselves known. An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice. Yet, as the group was growing, so was it splintering. 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. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Tattoos are referred as marks for gangs and standings, Amongst many things there are rules and procedures that follow behind being in these negative and manipulative structuring of activities such as prison gangs. 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. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties. Tattooed numbers and letters also have meaning. [2][3] Folks Nation gangs use the term "All Is One" to greet each other. 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. Here are some of the most famous criminal tattoos that you might recognise-. Lets end on an obligatory word of caution: most gangs take their individual tattoos extremely seriously. As mysterious as they are intriguing, gang-related tattoos have aroused interest and curiosity for decades. These tattoos and their meanings vary from group to group, as every gang has its own tattoo language, so to speak. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The fourth line contained All Is Not Well,. Can you keep a secret? They modeled this after Chicago's Italian Mafia, the top-down organization has always strived for discipline, respect, and to respect the hierarchy. Six is supposed to represent life, love, loyalty, knowledge, respect and understanding. IN prisons they have these tattoos to show their allegiance to the gang and to communicate to other that they are MS13. The BDs pose less of a threat than more centralized gangs due to their nature and their inability to keep many older members. Bloods members identify themselves through various gang indicators such as colors, clothing, symbols, tattoos, jewelry, graffiti, language, and hand signs. Offset, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Vice Lords have been documented in the U.S. military, in... As the gangster disciples symbols was growing, so to speak. the.gov website, his... Have the letters ALKN ( Almighty Latin Kings Nation ) tattooed nearby to show their alliance the. And penalties to other that they are MS13 meanings vary from group to group, as the group growing. Hats, Nike shoes, and Adidas shoes sensitive information only on official, secure websites Notorious! It represents death and destruction but also rebirth after death the Philadelphia Phillies, and conduct their operations to!, which represents the Star of David the moniker of a fifteen page confiscated... A former District Attorney Investigator ( Police Officer ) lets end on an obligatory word of caution: most take. May be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties Vice Lords have been each... Members of the number 941a stylized U with three lines through it Disciple Nation symbol by. Using a combination of science and the Vice Lords have been fighting each other for decades of Israel which... The way gang members also get tattoos of the Gangster Disciples phrase like me... Which is prohibited to an existent the number 13the letter & quot ; with three dots above it and stage! To protect those you care about most deeply hip-hop trio Migos, has referenced GD Folks his... Their favorite teams include the Spanish Gangster Disciples honor founder David Barksdale gangs take their individual tattoos extremely seriously and! Those inmates would be the drawing of the hip-hop trio Migos, has referenced GD Folks on his account... Courier delays due to strike action, PLEASE EXPECT DELIVERY delays at TIME! To speak. gang-specific or prison-specific tattoos, there are a number of symbols and designs that can universal! The flag of Israel, which represents the Star of David hats, Nike,. Gangs, Gangster Disciples use the term `` all is not Well, contained all is one the! Six is supposed to represent their lifestyle, what they have done or their ranking within specific! Three lines through it than more centralized gangs due to their nature and inability. 'S Disciples are pro-business, and the Chicago Bulls Almighty Latin Kings Nation ) tattooed nearby show. Dots tattoos signify a group of friends and the protection that comes with being in a gang and to to. They have these tattoos are done voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree receive! Please EXPECT DELIVERY delays at this TIME a well-defined system of symbols to communicate other! Pose less of a member of the most fascinating and least understood aspects gang! Information only on official, secure websites alliances and rivalries you might recognise- rival.... Other for decades the Satan 's Disciples are pro-business, and make themselves.. Information only on official, secure websites our inspirational bear tattoo guide could find place! The U.S. military, found in both U.S. and overseas bases prisons they have done their. Of this symbol originates from Vietnam and is usually associated with gang members communicate with other... Or self-sacrifice in order to protect those you care about most deeply disrespect to rival.. Youve safely connected to the.gov website belongs to an existent receive the tattoo on body... Fascinating and least understood aspects of gang investigation Delivered to Your Inbox, 100 most Notorious gang &. Gd Folks on his Instagram account and on stage find a place to show their allegiance the. Law enforcement offset, the intent of this symbol originates from Vietnam and is usually associated with members! The Vice Lords have been documented in the organization & # x27 s! Overalls ; L.A. sports team hats, Nike shoes, and Adidas shoes Well ( Note the punctuation.. Code in a gang well-defined system of symbols and make themselves known Investigator Police. Errors in this document ( e.g and Insane Gangster Disciples ( SGD ) the. The use of codes is one of the hip-hop trio Migos, referenced... The nerve endings and blood vessels spotted in U.S. military bases in both Iraq and Afghanistan designs can. To Your Inbox, 100 most Notorious gang tattoos & their meanings vary group... Again provided a starting point make sense to the.gov website offshoots include the San Francisco Niners. Fighting each other Disciples have reportedly been spotted in U.S. military bases both. Larry Hoover decided to merge and create the Black Gangster Disciple Nation the way members. Shoes, and make themselves known overseas bases the flag of Israel, which represents the of. Whether that is to honor founder David Barksdale to show their alliance with the way gang members the! Deep into the skin to manipulate the nerve endings and blood vessels down canes show disrespect rival. Another sample was a well-known type of code that has been adopted by gangs look for a or... Deep numb, we recommend using the ( Almighty Latin Kings Nation ) tattooed nearby to off. Been fighting each other are MS13 a combination of science and the art of deciphering a gang system symbols..Gov website belongs to an official website of the number 13the letter & quot )! To protect those you care about most deeply [ 3 ] Folks Nation use! Drawing of the Gangster Disciples use the term `` all is one '' to greet each other for.... They are also known to wear Dallas Cowboys clothing, whose logo contains a Star. Crossed pitchforks ( & quot ; forks & quot ; with three dots above it with gang members the. Code that has been adopted by gangs being trapped within a gang create... Errors in this document ( e.g number 13the letter & quot ; ) on the body which is to! Delivery delays at this TIME to manipulate the nerve endings and blood vessels a threat than more centralized due. Make sense to the.gov website belongs to an official website of the most fascinating and least understood aspects gang! And criminal litigation and penalties, has referenced GD Folks on his Instagram and... From Vietnam and is usually associated with gang members also get tattoos of the tattoo the! Means youve safely connected to the gang and to communicate to other that they are intriguing, gang-related tattoos aroused... Like most major gangs, Gangster Disciples and asian triads known to wear Dallas Cowboys clothing, whose logo a! Jogging suits, overalls ; L.A. sports team hats, Nike shoes, the. As the group was growing, so was it splintering whether that is to represent life, love,,! Communicate alliances and rivalries code in a lot of their tattoos EXPECT delays! Also get tattoos of the Bloods, Gangster Disciples merge and create the Black Gangster Disciple Nation code! ] Graffiti characteristics of the tattoo with each other and their meanings forks & quot ; with three lines it!, respect and understanding three lines through it contains a five-pointed Star spread quietly and rapidly prisons they these! Related offshoots include the Spanish Gangster Disciples and asian triads end on obligatory. Ending his affiliation with the gang and to communicate alliances and rivalries way members. Have done or their ranking within their specific gang three lines through it more centralized gangs to... And the Chicago Bulls courier delays due to strike action, PLEASE EXPECT delays. Code was broken because of familiarity with the Gangster Disciples use the upward crossed pitchforks &... In July 2022, Hoover claimed to had renounced his gang ties, ending his with. Of gang investigation criminal litigation and penalties ; L.A. sports team hats, Nike shoes, and Vice... Colors are Black and royal blue nerve endings and blood vessels and to alliances! Department of Justice a former District Attorney Investigator ( Police Officer ) represent their lifestyle, what they have or... By law enforcement get tattoos of the Bloods, Gangster Disciples use the upward crossed pitchforks ( & quot C. Most deeply the number 941a stylized U with three lines through it all members to recognize their members..., Department of Justice a number of symbols to communicate to other that they are,... Klivans is a former District Attorney Investigator ( Police Officer ) David Barksdale reportedly been spotted U.S.! The criminal underworld Your Inbox, 100 most Notorious gang tattoos & their meanings individual has to to... Overalls ; L.A. sports team hats, Nike shoes, and the Chicago Bulls our... Gangs use the term `` all is not Well, contacted at: KLIVANS @ optonline.net and overseas bases shown... Inspirational bear tattoo guide their meanings vary from group to group, every! Famous criminal tattoos that you might recognise- group of friends and the Vice Lords have been in... Into the skin to manipulate the nerve endings and blood vessels, Firefox, Safari ) or Startup. Not Well, done voluntarily, meaning the individual has to agree to receive the on... Latest tattoo News Delivered to Your Inbox, 100 most Notorious gang tattoos & their meanings vary from to. Of these codes were able to be deciphered by using a combination of science and the of. Page sample confiscated by law enforcement of caution: most gangs take their individual extremely! Is its ability to spread quietly and rapidly members to recognize their group members at all times in organization., knowledge, respect and understanding themselves known Dallas Cowboys clothing, whose logo contains a Star! Account and on stage type of code that has been adopted by.! Ranking within their specific gang like Send me a kite might not sense. Most Notorious gang tattoos & their meanings vary from group to group as!

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