Folk Nation
The Folk Nation (also known as Folk or Folks) is an alliance of street gangs originating from the Chicago area.[1] The gang has since spread throughout the United States, particularly to the Midwest[1] and the South. They are rivals to the People Nation.
Folk Nation system
Within the Folk Nation alliance there are multiple gangs, which have their own individual colors, hand signs and organization.[citation needed]
Formation
The Folk Nation was formed on November 11, 1978, within the confines of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Larry Hoover, the chairman of the Gangster Disciple Nation, created the idea for the alliance and persuaded many leaders of large Black, White, and Latino gangs from Chicago to join. Soon after its formation, the People Nation was formed to counter the Folks alliance.
Symbols
Gangs demonstrate their particular alliance-alignment by "representing" through the display of symbols, colors, graffiti, and numbers and letters. The Gangster Disciples use the number 74 within their symbolism, as a representation of "GD" - the seventh and the fourth letters of the alphabet.[2][3]
They also use hand signs and words. Representing also encompasses the left or right side of the body. Most Folk gangs represent using the six pointed star Star of David, pitchforks, and identify to the right side (e.g., they wear hats or bandanas turned to the right).[2][3]
Folk Nation gangs use the term "all is one" to greet each other.
Major Folks Nation alliances
These are some of the major Folks allies: [2]
- Black Disciples
- Gangster Disciples
- La Raza Nation
- Spanish Cobras
- Latin Eagles
- Imperial Gangsters
- Maniac Latin Disciples
- Simon City Royals
- Spanish Gangster Disciples
- Satan Disciples
- Gangster Two-Six
- Spanish Disciples
- Latin Dragons
- Insane Dragons
- Insane Gangsta Disciples