The Black Gangster Disciples, known by abbreviations such as BGDN or GDs, originated on Chicago's South Side during the tumultuous 1960s. This formidable gang was born from a merger between Larry Hoover's Supreme Gangsters and David Barksdale's Black Disciples, forming the Black Gangster Disciple Nation (BGDN). Over time, efforts were made to cleanse the gang's image, leading some members to drop the 'Black' from their name, simply identifying as Gangster Disciples (GDs).
These efforts extended into the political realm, where the GDs collaborated with other gangs, including the Vice Lords and Latin Kings, under the Growth and Development Movement. Outside of Chicago, the original BGDN name often persists. The gang's influence also permeates the U.S. military, with graffiti marking bases stateside and abroad.
Gangster Disciples Info:
| Gang Name | Gangster Disciples |
| Territory | US Nationwide |
| Years Active | 1960s-Present |
| Ethnicity | Predominantly Black |
| Symbols | 6 Point Star, Pitchforks, Heart with wings, Tails and horns |
| Aliases | GDs, GDN, 7-4, 7-4-14 |
| Colors | Black, Blue, & Gray |
| Members | 40-50,000+ |
| Phrases | GD till the world blow |
| Criminal Activities | Drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, murder, prostitution, Boosting (d-queens) |
| Allies | Folk Nation, Crips, Zoe Pound, Black Guerilla Family, and Black Mafia Family, Some Black Disciple sets, Some People Nation sets |
| Enemies | People Nation, Black P. Stones, Vice Lords, Four Corner Hustlers, Bloods, Latin Kings, Nortenos, Surenos, White Supremacist gangs, & Black Disciples |
Gangster Disciples History
The Gangster Disciples trace their roots to the 1960s, with Larry Hoover as a pivotal figure. Born on November 30, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi, Hoover moved to Chicago at four and joined the Supreme Gangsters at 13. His journey into crime began after being expelled from high school, eventually leading him to lead the Supreme Gangsters. In 1966, Hoover's gang overpowered the King Cobras, driving them to ally with David Barksdale's Black Disciples.
A significant merger occurred, forming the Gangster Nation, which included numerous gangs. Despite its growth, the Gangster Nation still lagged behind the Black Disciples and Black P. Stone Nation. Hoover declined an alliance with Jeff Fort of the Black P. Stones, instead forging a partnership with Barksdale's Black Disciples in 1969, creating the Black Gangster Disciples (BGDN) and ending the war between the two groups.
The BGDN initially shifted toward positive community involvement, launching businesses and supporting education. However, the 1970s saw a surge in drug trafficking, enriching some members while others became addicts. In 1973, Hoover and Andrew Young were convicted of murder, receiving lengthy sentences.
David Barksdale's death in 1974 led to Hoover ascending as BGDN's leader, a position solidified by the subsequent splintering of the alliance. Despite Hoover's imprisonment, the GDs thrived, forming the Folk Nation alliance and orchestrating significant events like a prison riot at Pontiac Prison.
By 1991, internal conflict erupted between BGDs and Black Disciples, fragmenting the Folk Nation. The Gangster Disciples, dropping 'Black' from their name, became Chicago's largest gang in the 1990s. Hoover's influence was palpable, with 10,000 GD members assembling to hear him speak from prison in 1993. Despite efforts to legitimize through the Growth and Development concept, Operation Headache in 1995 dismantled GD leadership, resulting in Hoover's life sentence.
Gangster Disciples Symbols, Signs, and Emblems
Every major gang employs unique symbols to convey alliances and rivalries. The Gangster Disciples utilize a blend of symbols representing the GDs and the Folk Nation. They often invert symbols of rival gangs as a form of disrespect. Their colors, blue and black, are prominently displayed in Georgetown Hoyas and Duke Blue Devils apparel.
Gangster Disciples Six-Pointed Star
The six-pointed star is the Gangster Disciples' primary emblem, resembling the Star of David. It's a tribute to founder David Barksdale, with each point signifying love, life, loyalty, understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.
| LOVE | Love of the Nation is greater than mere love alone, because we have a brotherhood in which love is as deep as the deep blue sea. TRUE BLUE LOVE |
| LIFE | Life commitment to the Nation for the betterment of ourselves as well as the Nation and each committed brother within the Nation, and our Nation's teachings, laws, creeds, symbols, philosophy and defense. |
| LOYALTY | To yourself, and each committed brother of our Nation. |
| UNITY | Collectively embraces all concepts, ideas, and actions that apply to our Nation. Togetherness is essential in order for us to continue our survival. |
| KNOWLEDGE | Is insight, therefore it is priceless, it gives one the ability to apply rational judgement. Knowledge is the ability to have a conscious awareness, and knowledge gained and not passed along is wasted knowledge. |
| UNDERSTANDING | Shows that we are able to communicate effectively, bringing about agreements, and a positive state of mind. |
Gangster Disciples Ranks
At their peak, the Gangster Disciples operated with a robust organizational structure akin to a Fortune 500 company. With leadership either deceased or incarcerated, the gang's structure has weakened.
The Gangster Disciples ranks are:
- Chairman Of the Board
- Board of Directors (2) (Prison & Street)
- Governors/Area Coordinator
- Regents
- Street Enforcers
- Soldiers/Non Members
Gangster Disciples Enemies and Allies
The Gangster Disciples face numerous adversaries, including People Nation, Black P. Stones, Vice Lords, Bloods, Latin Kings, Surenos, White Supremacist gangs, Nortenos, and Black Disciples. Black Disciples label themselves as GDK, or Gangster Disciple Killers, while Gangster Disciples use BDK, or Black Disciple Killers. Allies include Folk Nation gangs, Crips, Zoe Pound, BGF, and various others.
Famous Gangster Disciples
| Lil Scrappy |
Lil Jay|Geto Boyz|Lil Mister|Larry Hoover|||
Sets:
STL/EBT/Tookaville/Tutu Gang/Boss City
Bricksquad/D Block/Aikiville/JoJo World
M.O.B/Junebug Gang/Scrapp Gang/Bay Bay World
50 Strong/Dell World/Dougo Gang
CMB/Crazyville/Joc Block
PBG/Insane Cutthroats/Freakyville/Pappy Town/Mosey Squad
075 Wuga World
Killa Ward/Freako World/LY City/BK Gang