Gangster Disciples

The Gangster Disciples, originally Black Gangster Disciple Nation, is a street gang formed on the South-side of Chicago, Illinois in the late 1960s by David Barksdale, leader of the Gonzanto Disciples, and Larry Hoover, leader of the Supreme Disciples. The two groups, both members of the Folk Nation alliance, united to form the Black Gangster Disciple Nation (BGDN). They are by far the largest group that makes up the Folk Nation coalition of street gangs, which includes the Black Disciples, Maniac Latin Disciples, Spanish Cobras, Satan Disciples and a number smaller gangs. They also have a heavy presence in Southern cities such as Memphis, Atlanta, and Houston

Symbols used by the Gangster Disciples include a six-pointed star (Star of David) in remembrance of its co-founder 'King' David Barksdale (there is no connection to the Jewish symbol apart from the name of King David), a three-pointed pitchfork (pointed upward like the letter psi, to display it upside-down is an insult), and a love heart with wings, horns, and a tail. The gang's colors are black and blue. Gangster Disciples follow a strict code and use symbols and hand signs to communicate alliances and rivalries. Among the pro and college sports clothing favored: New York Yankees, Oakland Raiders, Georgetown Hoyas and Detroit Tigers.

The gang has made several attempts to legitimize their image. Some members dropped the "Black" and began to call themselves GDs or Gangster Disciples. In the 1990s the Gangster Disciples entered into politics through the formation of the "Growth and Development" movement. Outside of Chicago, some gangs will still go by the old name of BGD. The Gangster Disciples were the first modern gang to show up in significant numbers in Memphis, Tennessee. For several years, they had the streets virtually to themselves. Larry Hoover is still considered the "Chairman" of the gang, which has both a Memphis Board of Directors and a Chicago Board of Directors.