The Gangster Disciples, originally Black Gangster Disciple Nation. is a street gang formed on the South-side of Chicago 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).[1]
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.[1] Outside of Chicago, some gangs will still go by the old name of BGD.[2]
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. [3]
Gangster Disciples have been documented in the US military, found in both US and overseas bases.[4] Graffiti characteristic of the Gangster Disciples has been reportedly seen in U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. [5]
