The Black Disciples Nation (BDN) is a notorious Chicago gang that gained infamy in 1994 following the execution of an 11-year-old member, Robert "Yummy" Sandifer. Unlike other major gangs, which are often structured like corporate entities, the Black Disciples are organized akin to a religious institution, with leaders referred to as ministers and other religious titles. Despite this structure, the BDs exploit youth, thriving on their criminal activities, much like other gangs in America.
Info
| Gang Name | Black Disciples |
| Territory | US Nationwide |
| Years Active | 1960-Present |
| Ethnicity | Predominantly Black |
| Symbols | Roman Numeral Gate III, 6 Point star |
| Aliases | BDs, BDN, Trey Folks |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red |
| Members | 15,000+ |
| Enemies | Black P. Stone Nation, Mickey Cobras, Latin Kings, Vice Lords, Gangster Disciples |
| Allies | Black Guerrilla Family, Four Corner Hustlers, Zoe Pound, Bloods, and Folk Nation |
| Criminal Activities | Drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, murder, racketeering, burglary, kidnapping, illegal gambling, bootlegging, prostitution, carjacking, bank fraud, theft, embezzlement, human trafficking, arms trafficking, money laundering |
The Gangster Disciples, Black Gangsters, and Black Disciples originated from the Black Gangster Disciples gang. David Barksdale, former leader of the Devils Disciples, saw the gang evolve into the Black Gangster Disciples after his death. In 1978, the BGDs split into the GDs, BGs, and BDs. Such splintering is not uncommon in gangs and is observed in groups like the Latin Kings, who, despite bearing the same name, have different constitutions on the East Coast compared to Chicago.
Black Disciples and the Drug Trade
While drug sales are central to the Black Disciples' operations, they also host meetings, parties, and expand to various regions. The BDs possess unique hand signs, logos, and codes. Like many gangs, they predominantly recruit young members who are often found selling drugs at all hours. The term 'Putting in Nation Work' refers to drug sales for the gang, a phrase also used by other criminals. Members procure drugs from higher-ranking adults, sell them, and return a portion of the profit to their leaders. The gang's written laws aim to protect both leaders and members from legal trouble.
Internal Discipline in the Black Disciples
Members found in 'violations'—breaching gang codes or underperforming—face punishments, usually beatings, depending on the severity of their offense. Punishments occur during gang meetings, with durations ranging from seconds for minor violations to minutes for major ones. In extreme cases, members may be executed, as was the tragic fate of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer. Minor offenses might include missing a meeting, while major ones could involve disrespecting leaders.
Black Disciples Hand Signs
Similar to other gangs, the Black Disciples have a distinct hand sign, forming an 'O' by connecting the thumb and index finger, with the remaining fingers extended. This sign signifies the 'trey,' linked to the Roman numeral "III" and resembles a Boy Scout gesture, often misleading outsiders.
Black Disciples Tattoos
Tattoos are prevalent among the gang, with the Star of David and Roman numeral "III" being most common. Other tattoos include "B.D.N" and "B.D." Tattoos are popular among older members and some hardcore youth; however, young members are discouraged from getting tattoos to avoid alerting their families to their gang involvement.
Six Pointed Star and Colors Meaning
The Black Disciples' symbol, the Star of King David, has six points, each representing Love, Life, Loyalty, Unity, Knowledge, and Understanding. The gang's colors are Black, Blue, and Red. Black represents all Black people, Blue symbolizes the heavenly sky and deep love, while Red signifies bloodshed, a common representation in Chicago gangs.
Meaning of the Star's Points
| LOVE | Love of the Nation transcends mere affection, fostering a brotherhood more profound than the deep blue sea. TRUE BLUE LOVE |
| LIFE | A lifelong commitment to the Nation, enhancing ourselves and our brothers through teachings, laws, and defense. |
| LOYALTY | Devotion to oneself and each brother within the Nation. |
| UNITY | Embracing concepts, ideas, and actions essential for the Nation's survival. |
| KNOWLEDGE | Priceless insight providing rational judgment and conscious awareness. |
| UNDERSTANDING | Effective communication fostering agreements and a positive mindset. |
The Yummy Story
Standing 4’6”, and weighing 86 pounds, 11-year-old Robert "Yummy" Sandifer was part of the BD set ‘8 Balls’. Nicknamed for his love of sweets, Yummy had a criminal record with 12 felony arrests. He brought global attention to the gang after being sent to kill Gangster Disciple members with a 9mm handgun. In a tragic turn, Yummy wounded two GD members and inadvertently killed 14-year-old bystander Shavon Dean. The ensuing public outrage led to Yummy’s execution by fellow BD members Derrick and Cragg Hardaway, highlighting the dire gang situation in Chicago.
Female Roles in the Black Disciples
Female members, called ‘sisters’, can achieve full membership but rarely hold high positions. Sets may comprise up to 30% women. Unlike other gangs, BDs do not require females to be 'sexed in,' likely due to regional proximity. Female members partake in meetings, drug sales, and violence but have yet to secure top positions.
Black Disciples Enemies
BDs have numerous enemies, primarily the Black P. Stone Nation, Mickey Cobras, and Vice Lords. They also conflict with the Gangster Disciples, despite both being 'Folks'. Internal conflicts are not uncommon due to the gang's numerous sets and drug-related disputes.
Leaving the Black Disciples
Unlike many US gangs, leaving the Black Disciples is relatively straightforward. Members must agree with leaders on departure terms, often requiring them not to join other gangs. Acceptable reasons include employment, education, or personal issues. Departing members attend a final meeting and rituals but risk a beating if they insult active members. Members can retire from the gang at 35 without explanation.
U.S. Federal Prosecution Efforts against the Black Disciples
In 1998, 21 BD members faced federal charges. Some, like Robert Allen Jr. and Charles Jackson, cooperated with prosecutors, reducing their sentences by providing information on fellow members. Such cooperation, deemed ‘Snitching,’ allowed successful prosecutions. Allen’s life sentence was reduced to 20 years.
List of Black Disciple Gangs/Hoods
- Brick City/Baldy World 60th/Steve Drive 59th/Front Street 61st & Indiana/600
- Parkway Gardens/WIC City/O Block/Keta World
- Lamron/Tay Town/300
- 64th & Normal/Englewood
- 46th & Woodlawn/46th & Drexel/THF/Gudda World
- Oakwood/OBN/WWDC/Low End
- Boys Town/Face World/79th (BD & GD)
- Black Gate
- TYMB
- Lowe Life
- The 1
- 59th & Hermitage
- Front Street 061
- Dog Pound/Halsted Boys
- The Valley
- Damen Courts/West Side
- Wild 100s/Dirty Perry 107th
- 5th Ward/45th
- Whiz City/Brain Dead
- Lon City/Drill City/Mixx Mobb (BDs & GDs)
- Trap City/Chris World (BDs & GDs)
- Free World/Push Squad
- Goon Town
- Ridge Town
- Ada Park
- Rag Town
- Trigga Town
- Altgeld Gardens (Multi Gangs including BDs)
- 10-4/Maryland Mobb/Risky Road (BDs & BPS)
- Rose Land (Multi Gangs including BDs)
- Wild 100s/East Side Hunnids
- CCK/bmoneyworld/tonycity(BDs & BPS)