People Nation was conceived in Chicago as a countermeasure to the burgeoning power of Larry Hoover’s Folks Nation alliance. Dissatisfied with falling under Hoover’s influence, several gang leaders decided to forge their own coalition, thus birthing the People Nation. Jeff Fort, then head of the Black P Stone Nation—originally known as El Rukns—is often credited with this strategic formation. Gangs joined the People Nation either due to animosity towards Folks Nation factions, alliances with the Black P. Stone Nation, or past affiliations with it. Both the People Nation and Folks Nation came into being in 1978, marking themselves as the two predominant gang alliances.
Formation and Development
The People Nation was largely influenced by Jeff Fort, who led the transformation of the Black P. Stones from a 1960s youth group, the Black P-Stone Rangers, into a formidable criminal entity involved in gang conflicts and illegal enterprises. Fort masterminded the merger of his gang with multiple other local gangs, resulting in the formidable Black P-Stone Nation.
Witnessing Fort’s success, other gangs that were not part of this new alliance felt both awe and trepidation. This prompted the Black Disciples, led by David Barksdale, and the Gangster Disciples, under Larry Hoover, to consolidate into the Black Gangster Disciple Nation. Throughout the 1970s, the Black P-Stone Nation and Black Gangster Disciple Nation dominated Chicago’s narcotics trade while engaging in a violent rivalry.
After David Barksdale’s death in 1974 from kidney failure, Jerome ‘Shorty’ Freeman took over the Black Disciples and severed ties with the Black Gangster Disciple Nation. Simultaneously, some factions within the Black P. Stone Nation opted for independence.
The late 1970s saw a surge in new gangs in Chicago. With many leaders incarcerated, delineating allies from foes became challenging. In 1978, imprisoned Larry Hoover established the Folks Nation, attracting various gangs allied with the Gangster Disciples. Despite disliking Hoover, Freeman joined due to animosity towards the Black P-Stone Nation. In retaliation, Jeff Fort established the People Nation to counter Hoover’s influence.
Symbols of Unity
The People Nation employs an array of symbols to signify their alliance. Notable symbols include the five-point crown, staff or cane, the numeral 5, crescent moon, dice, Spanish cross, cholo, pyramid, five-point star, champagne glass, and bunny head. A quick identification method is the numbers gangs associate with; People Nation uses the '5' due to the five-point star, contrasting with Folks Nation’s use of '6' for their six-point star. The phrase “high five, six must die” epitomizes this symbolic rivalry.
Distinctive Attire
Unlike gangs such as the Bloods and Crips, which are identified by specific colors, the People Nation does not adhere to a singular color scheme. However, red, gold, and black are commonly worn by its members. Additionally, certain sports team logos are favored not for fandom but for their symbolic significance.
For instance, People Nation members frequently don Dallas Cowboys gear for its five-point star and Miami Dolphins apparel, with ‘Miami’ standing for “May I Admit My Insanity.” Adidas merchandise is popular for its acronym “All Disciples Is Dead Allah Said,” reflecting the Black P. Stone Nation's Muslim roots and rivalry with gangs bearing ‘Disciples’ in their names.
People Nation members also demonstrate allegiance by wearing items on the left side, such as earrings in the left ear or hats tilted to the left, symbolizing their identity.
Prominent Gangs
Mirroring the Folks Nation, the People Nation encompasses numerous sets nationwide. Some of its major members include:
- 12th Street Players
- Aztec Warriors
- Bishops
- Black P Stones
- Chiuaua Moez
- Dark Reapers
- Fairfield Family
- Fin Ballz
- Fourth Generation Messiahs
- Gaylords
- Hoxie Boyz
- Latin Counts
- Latin Angels
- Latin Kings and Queens
- Latin Pachucos
- Latin Stones
- Murderous Players
- Noble Knights
- Party Players
- South Side Popes
- Renegade Saints
- Stoned Freaks
- Vice Lords
- Aztec Souls
- Blue Fins
- Chi West
- Familia Stones
- Four Corner Hustlers
- Latin Brothers
- Insane Unknowns
- Mickey Cobras
- Ridgeway Boys