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Gangs in Chicago traditionally belong to one of two alliances, "People" or
"Folks." Both alliances were established in the 1980's in the penitentiary
system by incarcerated gang members seeking protection by forming coalitions. The
alliances are not aligned along traditional racial boundaries and both contain
Black, White and Hispanic street gangs. Both alliances are alive and well on Chicago's streets
and in most cases are bitter rivals.
"People" gangs all wear their identifiers to the left side. An earring in
the left ear, a left pant leg rolled up, the strap of a pair of overalls dangling to the
left side, a cap tilted to the left; all may indicate gang affiliation to this alliance.
The gang hand sign is thrown toward the left shoulder. Their gang members fold their arms
in a manner that will point to their left side.
"Folks" gangs, on the other hand, all wear or indicate their identifiers
to the right side.
Since gang identifiers are forbidden in the penal system, incarcerated gang members
when asked to represent, will simply say "Folks" or "People". This
method of identification has moved to the streets of Chicago. A gang member, when told to
represent, will relate "I'm People" or "I'm Folks" rather than attempt
to identify his particular gang.
The "People" alliance, in most instances, utilize the five pointed star in
their gang graffiti. The five pointed star has its origin with the Black Stone
Rangers/Black P Stone Nation, one of the larger Black street gangs. The alliance's term
"high five, six must die" is in reference to their five pointed star versus the
six pointed star of the "Folks" alliance. Commonly used by the
"People" alliance are drawings of pitchforks pointing down which shows
disrespect to the rival "Folks" alliance.
The six pointed Star of David, a Jewish religious symbol in honor of King David of
Solomon, is used by the "Folks" alliance in its graffiti. When the leader and
founder of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, David Barksdale was slain, the gang adopted
the symbol in his honor. The many gangs who aligned with this gang, under the
"Folks" alliance, adopted this symbol for their graffiti and hand signs.
Variations of the symbol with and without pitchforks running through it in an upward
fashion represents the "Folks" alliance.
Gang symbols synonymous with a particular gang are adopted by other gangs within the
"People" or "Folks" alliances. For example, the pyramid with a
crescent moon has been synonymous with the Black P Stone Nation (People) since the gangs
inception. Their symbols are now observed in the graffiti of such other gangs as the Vice
Lords, Cobras, Stones, and El Rukins, all of who are "People" alliance.
Although the "People" and "Folks" alliances are very strong groups
and are bitter enemies, there are rivalries within the alliances themselves. For example,
24 "Folks" gangs or factions have been identified in the Chicago area. Since
this includes a large population base of Chicago gang members, it only follows that
particular gangs would have rivalries within their own alliance. Factions have been
involved in battles over turf or narcotics territory faction. A "People" gang
faction will normally not align themselves with a "Folks" gang faction for
support. There have been exceptions to this rule to facilitate narcotics trafficking.
If You Have Any Questions or Need
Assistance Please Call:
DANE COUNTY NARCOTICS
AND GANG TASK FORCE
211 SO. CARROLL ST.
MADISON, WI 53710
(608) 266-4248 or (608) 266-4524
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