The Vice Lords are the oldest and second largest black street gang in the Chicago area. It was originally formed in the late 1950s as a club in the Illinois State Training School for Boys in St. Charles. As "club" members were released, several relocated to the Lawndale area of Chicago. They gained recognition as a gang during this time. Their main area of power remains the West-side of Chicago. Since the original formation numerous breakaway factions have formed. These factions now operate throughout the city of Chicago and outlying areas. Each faction has its own distinctive name and leader.
The Vice Lords utilize gold, black and red as their colors and the five-pointed star, top hat, martini glass, Playboy bunny, dollar sign and the cane. The different factions also utilize specific graffiti to identify themselves individually. Their common hand signs are a single upraised hand with the thumb, index and middle fingers to form a "VL." Also utilized is the upraised hand with all fingers extended and a separation between the middle and ring fingers. The Vice Lords call fellow members "People" and use the term "All is well." Members of the Vice Lords can be seen wearing University of Iowa Pittsburg Steelers Pirates and Penguins attire. Members also wear Louis Vitton (VL reversed) caps and UNLV Jackets (UNLV - YVNU reversed, Vice Lord Nation United.)
The Vice Lords can be found in the Midwest and some Eastern cities. They continue to have a stronghold over many Chicago neighborhoods.
Hey Jack, You can't imagine my surprise when I was searching around the web and found your blog! I am AMAZED!
Of course I have read this special piece and your eloquent thoughts. My most heartfelt sympathies to you and I'm sending all the positive vibes I can send too. You have always supported my ups and downs and I plan to be here for you as well.
This blog is FANTASTIC! (Can you tell I am excited for you?)
I have the page bookmarked and can't wait to read your posts. I think writing here is an amazing idea for you.
Best of luck with this new episode in your life and congrats on making your mark on the Internet!
I think it is wonderful and it takes alot of strength to admit your wrong doing. I too struggle with drug addiction and have for years. It is a daily struggle to remain clean and the only thing that keeps me clean is the thought of how low I would sink when I was using. You are not alone. We are all fallible human beings and you have taken the biggest step which is making amends. Your artwork is lovely, try to use this time in a constructive way and by setting your mind to other things rather than being consumed by guilt. Remember, we are all human and that Drug Addiction IS a DISEASE.
I've finished the transcription for another of your posts. It'll take me a while to get them all done, but I'll carry on until they're all available to on line search engines. Please bear with me.
Vice Lord
The Vice Lords are the oldest and second largest black street gang in the Chicago area. It was originally formed in the late 1950s as a club in the Illinois State Training School for Boys in St. Charles. As "club" members were released, several relocated to the Lawndale area of Chicago. They gained recognition as a gang during this time. Their main area of power remains the West-side of Chicago. Since the original formation numerous breakaway factions have formed. These factions now operate throughout the city of Chicago and outlying areas. Each faction has its own distinctive name and leader.
The Vice Lords utilize gold, black and red as their colors and the five-pointed star, top hat, martini glass, Playboy bunny, dollar sign and the cane. The different factions also utilize specific graffiti to identify themselves individually. Their common hand signs are a single upraised hand with the thumb, index and middle fingers to form a "VL." Also utilized is the upraised hand with all fingers extended and a separation between the middle and ring fingers. The Vice Lords call fellow members "People" and use the term "All is well." Members of the Vice Lords can be seen wearing University of Iowa Pittsburg Steelers Pirates and Penguins attire. Members also wear Louis Vitton (VL reversed) caps and UNLV Jackets (UNLV - YVNU reversed, Vice Lord Nation United.)
The Vice Lords can be found in the Midwest and some Eastern cities. They continue to have a stronghold over many Chicago neighborhoods.
You can't imagine my surprise when I was searching around the web and found your blog! I am AMAZED!
Of course I have read this special piece and your eloquent thoughts. My most heartfelt sympathies to you and I'm sending all the positive vibes I can send too. You have always supported my ups and downs and I plan to be here for you as well.
This blog is FANTASTIC! (Can you tell I am excited for you?)
I have the page bookmarked and can't wait to read your posts. I think writing here is an amazing idea for you.
Best of luck with this new episode in your life and congrats on making your mark on the Internet!
Big smiles! Your Pal,
Marci :-)
Love,
Your friend across the pond
To dream is to travel;
to know, let go,
to love is to see;
to die is to grow.
I think it is wonderful and it takes alot of strength to admit your wrong doing. I too struggle with drug addiction and have for years. It is a daily struggle to remain clean and the only thing that keeps me clean is the thought of how low I would sink when I was using. You are not alone. We are all fallible human beings and you have taken the biggest step which is making amends. Your artwork is lovely, try to use this time in a constructive way and by setting your mind to other things rather than being consumed by guilt. Remember, we are all human and that Drug Addiction IS a DISEASE.
Thinking of you.
Lavender