Gangster Disciples
The Gangster Disciple Nation (often abbreviated as the GD's; formally, GDN), also known as Growth & Development, is an African American street and prison gang founded by former rivals David Barksdale and Larry Hoover; in 1968, the two came together to form the Black Gangster Disciple Nation (BGDN).
"Growth & Development" redirects here. For the album by 22Gz, see 22Gz § Musical career.Founded
1969 (as the Black Gangster Disciple Nation)
1989 (as the Gangster Disciples)
Larry Hoover
David Barksdale (BGDN)
Supreme Gangsters
1969–present
Primarily African American[3]
25,000–50,000+[4]
Larry Hoover (formerly)
Drug trafficking, assault, firearms violations, fraud, homicide, money laundering[5]
Post-1989, following growing tension between the two over declining leadership, the BGDN split into two new factions—Hoover's Gangster Disciple Nation (GDN) and Barksdale's Black Disciple Nation (BDN), respectively. As of 2022, following Hoover's departure, the GDN has no full-time leadership role.[10]
Symbolism/colors[edit]
The predominant symbols of this gang are the trident and the Star of David, the latter a reference to co-founder David Barksdale.[36][37] The organization's colors are black.