Detroit “gang” structures (organiziation) THE CHAIN GANG (/Harper/VanDyke vicinity), (2) THE BISHOPS (same area as Chain Gang, but more concentrated in VanDyke/Harper area

[The Streets Don't Love You Back]

January 16th, 2010 at 8:51 PM

I agree, Big Veno, but there are some fine points here on the history that I would like to point out. Correct me if I am wrong, but

the original models for the CURRENT Detroit “gang” structures (organiziation) come from (1) THE CHAIN GANG (Eastside Gratiot/Harper/VanDyke vicinity), (2) THE BISHOPS (same area as Chain Gang, but more concentrated in VanDyke/Harper area) and (3) the MACK HOODS (Mack Avenue area). There were other older gangs of course, such as the The Chili Macks, Shakers and Purple Gang. However, one could argue that the gangs (organizations) of the late 70’s, 80’s and 90’s had operations that seem more similar to those just before them–the Chain, Bishops and Mack Hoods.
The Coney Onlys, [or was it Coney Oneys?], who carried golf clubs as their signature street mark, were the youngsters under the CHAIN GANG. The Bowery Bishops were the youngsters under the Bishops. They were known for the shootouts across playgrounds off VanDyke Avenue. In fact, like Best Friends, the Bowery Bishops were strapped, very cold, and ruthless. The Dillenger Bishops, came after the Bowery Bishops. They were in an age-grade between the Bowery Bishops and the older Bishops.
The Chain Gang and Bishops, were then, the two largest organizations on the northern-east side Detroit.

The oldest of the “gangs” (organizations) you mentioned from the far-east and southeast side included the Mack Hoods (off Mack Avenue from Woodward to McClellan Street). [The Helen Hoods from Helen Street, were youngsters associated with the Mack Hoods.]

It would appear that the Best Friends’ hit-squad (the Wrecking Crew) could have been modeled after the Mack Hoods’.
Do you remember the BAs? (BAs stood for Black Assassins.)

I ended above on McClellan Street for a reason.

An interesting development happened in the late 1970’s on the far eastside Detroit, particularly east of McClellan Street. This phenomenon was called the Earl Flynn Gang (organization). Their sign was a karate knife-hand stabbing, at an angle, up into the air while saying “Earl Flynn”. Mr. Flynn, would make flashy appearances at skating rinks and community centers in the summer, dressed in full mink fur hats, coats and boots. It would seem that Mr. Richard Wersche, Jr. (“White Boy Rick”) could have been a contemporary of Mr. Earl Flynn, although a bit more formally dressed. The Crusaders (off east Warren area), known for wearing their old-styled Kango hats, were rivals of the Earl Flynns. A “Flynn” would have no problem shooting you if you wore the preferred hat of the Crusaders–even if you didn’t belong to the Crusader’s Gang (organization).

The M&Ms were a West-side gang (organization) that primarily operated off the Joy Road/ Grand River area. M&M stood for Money Makers. The leader of this organization eventually became under the influence of an OG and founder of the 1950’s, north-end,Detroit area gang(organization) called the Shaker’s. Under this influence the M&M’s leader changed his ways and now is a leader in community youth programs.

Many of the west-side area gangs you mentioned joined into the Young Boys Incorporated (YBI) force………………………………More on OurHistory…….THINK

[The Streets Don't Love You Back]

Yes them was the days we lost a lot of soliders back then.thats why I educate our youths and adults against that life.god bless

[rodney jacobs]

DETROIT GANG HISTORY WE HAVE ALOT OF KNEW GROUPS NOW SO I WILL GIVE THE FLOOR TO THE NEW CATS....TO ADD YALL HISTORY.....THE OLD GODS HAVE GAVE YOU SOME HISTORY....

[rodney jacobs]

TRUTH YOU DID YOUR RESEARCH....THIS BIG VENO REOLYING BACK....SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG...EVERY GANG YOU MENTION I KNEW WELL....OR RAN INTOO THEM SOME KINDA WAY...IM GONNA ADD SOME MORE TO THE LIST..SOME MORE EASTSIDE GANGS..MEDBURY BOYS MIDEAST FLYNNS LATIN DOGS CHENE GANG...BLACK APACHES THE JETS LAKEWOODS PLAYERS HUSTLERS COPLIN PLAYERS FRISCO FLYNNS CHARLIE FLYNNS EASTHOODS...CONCORD BOYS....MANDINGOES..WE DIDNT ADD THE SHERIDAN STRIPS....AND THE AKS ASS KICKERS....