Disciples vs. Vice Lord

Attribute	Disciples	Vice Lord
Founding Year	1954	1958
Founder	David Barksdale	Edward Perry
Colors	Black and Blue	Black and Red
Symbol	Devil's pitchfork	Five-pointed star
Region	Midwest	Midwest and East Coast

History

The Disciples and Vice Lords are two prominent street gangs that originated in Chicago, Illinois. The Disciples, also known as the Gangster Disciples, were founded in the 1960s by Larry Hoover and David Barksdale. They started as a small gang in the South Side of Chicago but quickly grew in size and influence. The Vice Lords, on the other hand, have a longer history dating back to the 1950s. They were originally formed in the Illinois State Training School for Boys and have since expanded to become one of the largest and most notorious gangs in Chicago.

Structure

Both the Disciples and Vice Lords have a hierarchical structure with leaders at the top who oversee various factions and sets. The Disciples are known for their strict organization and discipline, with a clear chain of command that members are expected to follow. In contrast, the Vice Lords are more decentralized, with different factions operating independently but still under the overall umbrella of the Vice Lords organization. This difference in structure can impact how each gang operates and carries out its criminal activities.

Activities

Both the Disciples and Vice Lords are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. However, the Disciples are known for their focus on drug distribution and have been linked to large-scale drug operations in Chicago and other cities. The Vice Lords, on the other hand, have a reputation for being involved in a variety of criminal enterprises, including prostitution, robbery, and fraud. This diversity in criminal activities can make the Vice Lords a more versatile and adaptable gang compared to the Disciples.

Colors and Symbols

One of the distinguishing features of street gangs like the Disciples and Vice Lords is their use of colors and symbols to represent their affiliation. The Disciples are known for wearing the colors black and blue, as well as using symbols like the six-pointed star and pitchfork. These colors and symbols are used to show allegiance to the Disciples and to intimidate rival gangs. The Vice Lords, on the other hand, use the colors red and black, along with symbols like the five-pointed star and pyramid. These colors and symbols are meant to signify loyalty to the Vice Lords and to instill fear in their enemies.

Community Impact

Both the Disciples and Vice Lords have had a significant impact on the communities in which they operate. Their involvement in drug trafficking and violence has led to increased crime rates and instability in neighborhoods across Chicago. However, some members of these gangs also engage in community outreach and social programs to try to improve the lives of residents in their areas. The Disciples, for example, have been involved in anti-violence campaigns and educational initiatives. The Vice Lords, on the other hand, have focused on providing support for at-risk youth and promoting economic development in underserved communities.

Rivalries

Both the Disciples and Vice Lords have longstanding rivalries with other street gangs in Chicago, leading to ongoing conflicts and violence. The Disciples have been involved in a bitter feud with the Black Disciples, another prominent gang in the city. This rivalry has resulted in numerous shootings and deaths over the years. The Vice Lords, on the other hand, have had conflicts with gangs like the Latin Kings and Gangster Disciples. These rivalries can escalate quickly and have a devastating impact on the communities where these gangs operate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Disciples and Vice Lords are two of the most well-known street gangs in Chicago, each with its own unique attributes and characteristics. While the Disciples are known for their strict organization and focus on drug distribution, the Vice Lords are more decentralized and involved in a wider range of criminal activities. Both gangs have had a significant impact on their communities, both positive and negative, and continue to be a source of conflict and violence in Chicago. It is important to understand the differences between these gangs in order to address the root causes of gang violence and work towards creating safer and more stable communities.