Folk Nation (Folk/Folks) is a coalition of gangs originally established within Chicago's prison system. The term 'FOLKS' stands as an acronym for "Follow the Orders and Laws the King Sets." Prominent members of this alliance include the Black Disciples and Gangster Disciples. While its roots are in Chicago, the Folk Nation's influence extends throughout the United States. Initially, not all gangs joined, prompting the formation of the 'People Nation' to counter the Folk Nation.
Folk Nation History
The 1960s saw the transformation of a youth group, the "Black Stone Rangers," into a criminal enterprise. Under the leadership of Jeff Fort, the Black P. Stone Rangers evolved into the "Black P. Stones," forming alliances with other gang leaders and projecting an image of community upliftment. They secured a $1.4 million federal grant intended for community aid, but investigations revealed the funds were diverted to illicit activities. Jeff Fort was subsequently tried and imprisoned.
In response, gangs outside the Black P. Stone Nation sought similar alliances. Key figures like David Barksdale of the Black Disciples and Larry Hoover of the Supreme Gangsters spearheaded the formation of the "Black Gangster Disciple Nation." Throughout the 1970s, these groups dominated Chicago's drug trade, fostering intense rivalries.
As gang leaders faced incarceration, the prison system's growing gang population led to the formation of alliances. The Folk Nation was officially established on November 11, 1978, in the Illinois Department of Correction, initiated by Larry Hoover's efforts to unify various gangs regardless of race. To challenge the Folk Nation, rival gangs created the People Nation.
Folk Nation Demographics
Folk Nation primarily consists of Black and Hispanic gangs, though it includes white and other ethnic groups. There are no age restrictions for membership, with most members being teenagers or in their twenties.
Folk Nation Symbols
Folk Nation members use an array of symbols and tattoos to express allegiance. Some symbols, like the six-point star, were inherited from founding gangs such as the Gangster Disciples.
Folks Nation Clothing and Accessories
Members are identified by wearing items on the right side, such as bandannas, piercings, and hats. They also wear specific sports apparel, like Oakland Raiders gear, symbolizing "ruthless ass Insane Disciples ever ruled the streets."
Folk Nation Tattoos
Tattoos representing the Folk Nation include a winged heart, devil's horns, a devil's tail, dice, the number 6, backward swastikas, a bunny head with bent ears, a sword, a pitchfork, and a six-point star. The star's six points embody love, loyalty, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. The winged heart signifies love for the gang, the pitchfork represents strength, and devilish symbols like horns and tails denote courage and power.
Folks Nation Philosophy
Among the Folk Nation's philosophies is "All for One, One for All," mandating collective defense of members. Other sayings include "All is Well," "All is All," and "I will not let my brother fall to a knee."
Folk Nation members disrespect rivals by:
- Striking through or inverting rival graffiti.
- Manipulating or crossing out enemy hand signs.
- Destroying rival symbols such as "cracking treys."
- Promoting the phrase "6 poppin, 5 droppin," contrasting their six-point star with the People Nation's five-point star.
Folks Nation Gangs
- Allport Lovers
- Ambrose
- Aztecas
- Brazers
- Brothers For Life
- Crazy Insanes
- Harrison Gents
- Imperial Gangsters
- Krazy GetDown Boys
- Latin Eagles
- Simon City Royals
- Black Disciples
- Black King Cobras
- B.O.S.S. Pimps
- Gangster Disciples
- Party People
- Two Six
- Hoodlums
- Ashland Vikings
- C-Note$
- Cullerton Deuces
- Insane Dragons
- Gangster City Knights
- Satan Disciples
- Guess Boys
- Latin Jivers
- Majestics
- Orchestra Albany
- North Side Popes
- Racine Boys
- Spanish Cobras
- Two-Two Boys
- King Cobras
- La Raza
- Latin Assassins
- Latin Dragons
- Latin Souls
- Latin Stylers
- Mighty Oakley Boys
- Insane Soldiers
- Campbell Boys
- Maniac Latin Disciples
- Mafia Disciples
- Milwaukee Kings
- Morgan Boys
- Sin City Boys
- Spanish Gangster Disciples
- Unknown Assassins
- Universal Latin Lovers
- Young Latino Organization Cobras
- Young Latino Organization Disciples