◆ SpookStack

Black street gangs have existed in the areas of South Central Los Angeles and Compton since the early 1920's. These early gangs, one of which was called the Boozie gang, consisted of family members and close friends who involved themselves in limited criminal activity designed to make themselves appear tough and to provide-a source of funds. The early black street gangs were more territorial than they are today. In the 1920's, the different black gangs fought each other,*"but they did not engage in stabbings or shootings. 148 During the late 1930's, the Slauson gang was the most active; whereas in the 1950's and in the 1960's, gangs such as "the Businessmen," “the Home Street Gang," and “the 117th Street Gang," were active. Since these early gangs concentrated their criminal activity within the black neighborhoods, they were virtually unnoticed by the rest of the public. 149 In the 1960's, black street gang activity caused two rival street gangs, the Crips and the Bloods, to organize. The Crips were the first to form in 1969. Contrary to popular - belief, these early Crips were comprised of black male youth n- from the upper middle class of society. They attended Washington High School in South Central Los Angeles. The Crips soon made a name for themselves by confronting other youth and forcing them to fight; to give up their possessions; 149 88. 52 Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, p. 23, see