The Black Spades were a mostly African American street gang
started in the Bronx during the late 1960s gaining popularity in the 1970s. The
gang began to spread from the Bronx to Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten
Island, New Jersey and Connecticut by the late 1980s. During this period
Hispanic and white members were more common.
The gang originated in 1968 as the Savage Seven. As the gang
grew, they changed their name to the Black Spades. The gang quickly spread to
nearby housing projects and throughout the Bronx, with division starting a
subculture inviting music in the lives of gang members. The Black Spades were
also participants in the Hoe Avenue peace meeting.
New York street gang activity peaked in 1973, and then began
to decline. Reasons for this decline included violence and drug use as well as a
move to the burgeoning hip hop culture in park jams, block parties and clubs.
Afrika Bambaataa was the warlord of the Black Spades before
becoming a famous hip hop DJ. He went on to form the Universal Zulu Nation on
November 12, 1973; with several members following him.
Just wonder how the Gestapo would have dealt with Black
Spades had they been around…
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