Folk Nation
The Folks Nation (commonly referred to as Folk) is an alliance of street gangs originating in Chicago, established in 1978.[1] The alliance has since spread throughout the United States, particularly the Midwest region of the United States. They are rivals of the People Nation.
| Founded | 1978 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Larry Hoover |
| Founding location | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Territory | Nationwide |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Latino, White |
| Leader(s) | Eric Tobin |
| Criminal activities | Drug trafficking, burglary, extortion, homicide |
| Rivals | People Nation |
Formation
The Folks 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
Folks Nation symbols include the Star of David, horns, a dice with 6 dots facing forward, the digit 6, a pointed tail, and a devil’s pitchfork, also a heart with wings.
Folk gangs also disrespect People Nation gangs and rival Folk gangs by inverting their rivals' various gang symbols.[2]
Active Gangs
A 1995 report from the Florida Department of Corrections' Security Threat Intelligence Unit listed Folk Nation's major sets as follows:[2]
References
- "FBI - Publications - Law Enforcement Bulletin - December 2001". Archived from the original on January 10, 2008.
- People and Folk Nation Sets (continued) - Gang and Security Threat Group Awareness, archived from the original on August 6, 2008. Accessed March 19, 2019.