Gangs use tattoos, graffiti, and symbols to identify themselves and show affiliation. The two main factions are the Folks and the People. The Folks Nation uses symbols like six-pointed stars and crowns, while the People use five-pointed stars. Specific gangs like the Gangster Disciples and Latin Kings identify with either the Folks or People and have their own symbols as well. Gangs communicate threats, memorialize fallen members, and display ranks through their graffiti, artwork, and bead sequences.

1. Tattoos and Tagging The Folks and The People

5. There are also many other symbols within the Folks. Here are just a few: Six-pointed crown – Individual points represent love, life, loyalty, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. The Heart- Love for the whole Folk Nation Heart with Sword through it – Death before dying

6. Flame or Torch – Eternal life & determination to overcome all obstacles; Path and direction of gang All Branches of the Folk Nation – Represents hardships endured, oppression of gang members and other third world people. Wings – The spreading of the nation or the strength to rise above

7. The main emblem for the Gangster Disciples is

8. PEOPLE All gangs within the People also have their own symbols but the universal sign to identify with the People is the Five Pointed Star. The Latin Kings are associated with the People.

10. Some other symbols associated with the PEOPLE are:

11. The symbol for the Almighty Latin Kings and Queens is

12. **Any symbol that is cracked, broken, or upside down is a sign of disrespect for the gang or Nation the symbol represents. **