The Gangster Disciples (GD) is an African American street and prison gang that was formed in 1969 by Larry Hoover and David Barksdale. The two rival gangsters united together to form the Black Gangster Disciple Nation (BGDN) . The GD has a history of criminal activity that makes it one of the most powerful and dangerous gangs in the nation. The gang has nearly 30,000 members in Chicago and spreading into at least 35 other states with several thousand more members. The GD is divided into different factions known today as the Gangster Disciple Nation and the Black Disciple Nation. The GD gang is estimated to consist of between 25,000 to 50,000 individuals, a majority of whom are African-American males from the inner city. The GD has a creed that is taught by Solomon, and it includes the code name "Cobra". The GD has different ranks, including Military, Assassins, Unknowns, Universal Rank, Latin cousins, Fighting Soldiers, and Outlaw G. The GD is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, robbery, and murder.