The history of Chicago street gangs is seldom told, and very controversial. Some believe gangs have changed little. Others, that they have transformed into organized crime. Still others insist Chicago gangs have become street organizations, leaving their gang trappings behind.


Find resources on gangs in Chicago throughout history [under construction]

 

What do Chicago's gang leaders, OG's, and veteranos think about these changes? How do those who have seen these changes first hand understand what is happening? What documents exist which can shed some light on the history of Chicago gangs? The Chicago Gang History Project seeks to find out.

We want to understand the impact of the post-industrial era, the expansion of the drug trade, the influence of prison, and the extent of politicization of Chicago's street gangs. We also intend to investigate the role of women in gangs, which has traditionally been either sensationalized or ignored.

We are especially interested in the impact of gentrification on gangs and their neighborhoods. The spaces where gang activity is taking place today in Chicago today is undergoing a major transformation. Much gang activity has moved south and to the suburbs where there is less attention. The historic areas of gang activity are becoming occupied by the middle class.

This project is in its opening phase. We intend to interview knowledgable current and former gang members of all ethnic groups and all ages. We also will interview law enforcement and those who may have other views on the evolution of Chicago gangs. We do not seek incriminating information, or information on specific persons and their roles with their gang. We want to understand how gangs have changed over the years and why.We are interested in locating articles and public documents that will help us construct an all-sided history of gangs in this city.

We especially welcome UIC students who want to contribute to this effort. Criminal Justice 102: Gangs and the Media has looked at common stereotypes and has brought forth many students who want to take part in this study. In academic year 2001, "The History of Gangs in Chicago" will be offered through the Criminal Justice Department.. This class will offer graduate and undergraduate students a history of Chicago gangs, but also give them the opportunity to do research and contribute toward rewriting that history.

We are currently seeking funding for this study. Some pilot efforts are going on, and several dissertations are being developed which will contribute to this effort. An undergraduate research confernence on gangs is planned for this November. Jim Short, who conducted the most thorough study of gangs ever in Chicago in the 1960s, and Timuel Black, Chicago's preeminent African American historian, will address the conference. We also expect to have a digitized copy of Frederic Thrasher's classic The Gang and other" Chicago School" classic studies on our website in the near future. We are collaborating with the UIC History Department and its photographic history of the Hull House.

We welcome comments on our plans. Anyone who wishes to contribute to our study, either in doing research, having contact with some one who might aid our research, or wishes to contribute to our understanding by being interviewed, is welcome to contact us. Ê

For graphical data on several Chicago neighborhoods, and an impressive gallery of photographs, maps, and other historical material, check out UIC's Chicago Imagebase.

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See informational leaflet.


We are currnently gathering research resources on gangs in Chicago. As we build our history, we will attempt to make this site a wealth of information for the community, students, and the academy.

The Kenneth B. Clark Center | Gang Resource Index | John Hagedorn's Homepage