The Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips is a "set" of the Crips street gang alliance based in Los Angeles, California, originally formed around Hyde Park, Los Angeles in 1976 from the Westside Crips and having since spread to other cities in the United States.[1][3] Membership is estimated to be around 1,600 people, making it one of the largest gangs in the Los Angeles area.[4]
 "60's Crips" graffiti | |
| Founded | 1976 |
|---|---|
| Founding location | Los Angeles, California |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Ethnicity | Predominantly African-American |
| Membership (est.) | 1,600[1] |
| Criminal activities | Racketeering, murder, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, auto theft, armed robbery, burglary, extortion, fraud[2] |
| Allies | Rollin 40's and Rollin 90's NHCs[1] |
| Rivals | Bloods, "Hoover factions", "Eight Trey Gangster Crip (83GC)"[1] |
Members identify themselves by wearing the Seattle Mariners[4] or Chicago White Sox logos and mark areas they are in with graffiti.[1]
History
editTwo men identified as members of the Rollin' 60s were arrested for the 1984 murders of four members of professional football player Kermit Alexander's family. Police say the gang members got the address wrong and killed the wrong family.[5]
In 1988, a member of the Rollin' 60s was responsible for the death of Karen Toshima, who got caught in the crossfire between two gang members.[6]
In 1992, Crips' Kingpin Keith "Stone" Thomas was killed. Around 400 people, including law enforcement, attended his funeral which prompted many to reflect on the bloodshed and actions of Rollin' 60s. Youth worker and activist Chilton Alphonse reflected on the change marked by Stone's death[7]:
Once upon a time, the Rollin' 60s were a family. Now, I think a lot of these youngsters are beginning to question, is it really worth it.
According to a news outlet in 2004, Rollin' 60s was "the largest black criminal street gang in the City of Los Angeles".[1]
Notable members
edit- Musician, businessman, and community activist Nipsey Hussle was a member of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips.[8]
- Georgia rapper Quando Rondo is also a member of the Savannah branch of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips and in June 2023 was arrested for having an alleged leadership role in the gang.[9]
- Music executive Eugene "Big U" Henley and father of Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley was arrested in December 1991.[10] He was a member before he was caught in a drug sting and sentenced to 23 years in prison.[11] Although he has never admitted to affiliation, "he was described by gang experts as a leader, if not the top man, of the Rollin' 60s," and he has been interviewed about the history of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips.[10] He founded the non-profit Developing Options Inc. after being released in 2004. [11]
- Keita Roc has a "Rollin' 60s" tattoo and spoke at Stone's funeral.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Barrett, Beth (September 30, 2004). "Rollin 60s give unique window into gang culture". Los Angeles Daily News. Archived from the original on October 12, 2004.
- ^ "Crips Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder in-Aid-of Racketeering and Other Crimes". Retrieved 2021-02-09.
- ^ "Rollin 60s NeighborHood Crips in Los Angeles, California – Hyde Park area". streetgangs.com. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Covey, Herbert C. (2015). Crips and Bloods: A Guide to an American Subculture: A Guide to an American Subculture. ABC-CLIO. p. 159. ISBN 978-0-313-39930-5.
- ^ "Two Gang Members Arrested In Alexander Family Killings". The New York Times. November 5, 1984.
- ^ Mitchell, John; Kendall, John (1989-12-02). "Toshima's Slayer Gets 27 Years to Life in Prison : Gangs: Woman was innocent victim of Westwood Village shooting in 1988. Incident shocked L.A. into the realization that street violence could occur anywhere". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-04-05.
- ^ a b Katz, Jesse (1992-04-14). "COLUMN ONE : An Ethic Dies With Gang Chief : The stakes these days are drug money, not turf. The transformation has eroded the code of unity, and violence is out of control as member turns against member". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ Arango, Tim (April 19, 2019). "Nipsey Hussle Was Hailed as a Hero. But to California Officials, He Was Still a Gangster". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
- ^ "Rapper Quando Rondo detained after being indicted for drug, gang charges". USA Today. June 22, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
- ^ a b Archives, L. A. Times (1992-07-21). "SOUTHWEST LOS ANGELES : Reputed Crips Chief Gets 23 Years in Robbery Try". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ a b "Eugene 'Big U' Henley Speaks On Uniting Gangs, Community Service And Nipsey Hussle's Legacy". Essence. 2020-10-23. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
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