David Barksdale was a notorious gang leader and activist who founded the Black Disciples, one of the largest and most influential street gangs in Chicago. He was also known as King David, a revered figure in the black community who used his power and charisma to promote peace and social justice. But how did he die at the young age of 27? Here is the story of his life and death, and the legacy he left behind.
The Rise of King David
David Barksdale was born in Sallis, Mississippi, on May 24, 1947. He was the tenth of thirteen children of sharecroppers Virginia and Charlie Barksdale. In 1957, his family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where they settled in Englewood, a poor and segregated neighborhood on the South Side.
Barksdale had a rough childhood and faced discrimination and violence from both the police and rival gangs. He dropped out of school and joined a street gang called the Devil’s Disciples when he was 13 years old. He soon became a leader of the gang, which absorbed other gangs and expanded its territory and membership. By 1966, Barksdale’s gang was known as the Black Disciple Nation, and he was crowned as King David.
Barksdale was a charismatic and fearless leader who commanded respect and loyalty from his followers. He was also a savvy businessman who made money from various illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, gambling, extortion, and robbery. He used some of his profits to fund social programs for his community, such as free breakfasts for school children, clothing drives, and political rallies.
Barksdale also became involved in the civil rights movement and supported the causes of black empowerment and liberation. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Marquette Park in 1966, where they faced violent opposition from white supremacists. He befriended Fred Hampton, the leader of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panther Party, and joined forces with him to form the Rainbow Coalition, a multi-racial alliance of progressive organizations.
The Attack that Led to His Death
Despite his efforts to promote peace and unity among different gangs and groups, Barksdale still faced enemies who wanted to eliminate him. One of his main rivals was Jeff Fort, the leader of the Black P Stone Rangers, another powerful gang in Chicago. Fort and Barksdale had a history of conflict and violence that escalated over time.
On June 18, 1970, Barksdale was ambushed by members of the Black P Stone Rangers outside a bar on West 69th Street. They opened fire on him with M14 rifles, hitting him several times in the chest and abdomen. Barksdale survived the attack but suffered severe internal injuries that damaged his kidneys.
Barksdale spent months in the hospital recovering from his wounds. He continued to lead his gang from his bed, but his health deteriorated over time. He also faced legal troubles, as he was indicted for murder and conspiracy charges in connection with several gang-related killings.
In 1973, Barksdale decided to merge his gang with another one led by Larry Hoover, called the Supreme Gangsters. The two leaders formed a new alliance called the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, which became one of the largest criminal organizations in the country.
However, Barksdale did not live long enough to see his new empire grow. On September 2, 1974, he died from kidney failure at St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago. He was only 27 years old.
The Legacy of King David
Barksdale’s funeral was attended by thousands of people who mourned his death and celebrated his life. He was buried at Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois, where his tombstone bears his name and title: King David.
Barksdale’s death left a void in the leadership of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation. Hoover took over as the sole leader of the alliance, but he faced challenges from other factions within the gang who wanted more power and autonomy. The gang eventually split into two rival groups: the Black Disciples (BD) and the Gangster Disciples (GD).
Barksdale’s legacy lives on in both gangs, who still claim him as their founder and inspiration. His name is also invoked by rappers, activists, and historians who recognize his impact on Chicago’s culture and history.
According to All That’s Interesting , Barksdale was “a complex figure who embodied both violence and peace, crime and activism.” He was a gangster who became a king who became a legend.
