Black Spades
The year 1968 marked the birth of a group that would reshape New York City's cultural landscape. They emerged from the Bronxdale Houses in the Soundview section of the Bronx. Rumors suggested they started as the Savage Seven, but records confirm their name was always the Black Spades. Disco King Mario lived within these housing projects and became an original leader. He worked as a DJ and is now recognized as one of Hip Hop's founding fathers. The gang officially formed inside Junior High School 123 on Morrison Ave. This teenage street organization began with a clear mission to protect their community. They fought against racism and bigotry in neighborhoods like Clason Point and Parkchester. Heroin addicts and drug dealers were taking over the area, so the Spades stepped in. The first division policed and protected the residents of Bronxdale Houses from rising crime.
The group followed teachings from The Five-Percent Nation and Malcolm X. They drew influence from the Nation of Islam and the Black Panthers. The Weather Underground Organization also shaped their early political views. David Brockington served as the original president of the first division. He belonged to the Nation of Islam and organized members to fight local corruption. Younger members eventually lost focus of this original purpose. Violence increased among the younger divisions known as Young Spades or Baby Spades. Brockington disliked this new direction and stepped down as president. Monk took over as the new supreme president after that decision. This leadership change transformed the group into a full-fledged street gang. A women's division started later within the Clason Point housing projects. That chapter operated out of Junior High School I.S. 131.
Afrika Bambaataa joined the Young Spade 1st division 1st chapter before moving to the Bronx River Houses Black Spades 10th Division. He became a famous hip hop DJ while still connected to the organization. On the 12th of November 1977, he formed the Universal Zulu Nation with several followers. DJ Kool Herc credits gangs including the Black Spades for starting the hip hop scene. Gang activity peaked in New York City during 1973 before beginning to decline. Members moved toward park jams, block parties, and clubs instead of violence. The Hoe Avenue peace meeting saw participation from these groups. Music began inviting itself into the lives of gang members throughout the Soundview area. Monroe Houses and Soundview Houses hosted gatherings that fueled this cultural shift. The transition from street fighting to music creation changed the trajectory of the organization.
New York street gang activity reached its highest point in 1973. Drug use and internal violence contributed to a subsequent decline in organized crime. Latino and white members became more common by the late 1980s. The group spread from the Bronx to Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. They expanded further into New Rochelle, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. By the early 1970s, many younger members lost focus on their original goals. Unrestrained divisions caused significant unrest within the organization. Around the late 1990s, many young members transitioned their membership to the Bloods street gang of NYC. This demographic shift marked a turning point for traditional Black Spades identity. The organization maintained a strong following through the end of the twentieth century before fading.
The year 2019 saw a comeback with new members joining the ranks. They now operate as TBS New Direction, a community service group. Their mission champions anti-violence initiatives across the city. Food distribution programs help those who are food insecure today. A resurgence of members rose in early 2022 at River Park Towers housing complex. This latest incarnation functions as a neighborhood self-policing unit. Plans include participating in homeless food drives throughout the West Bronx. After-school programs will run at CIS 229 to support local youth. Positive neighborhood development remains the core goal of this modern chapter. The group has moved from street enforcement to social welfare services.
Common questions
When and where did the Black Spades form?
The Black Spades formed in 1968 inside Junior High School 123 on Morrison Ave within the Bronxdale Houses of the Soundview section. Disco King Mario served as an original leader while working as a DJ in these housing projects.
Who were the early leaders of the Black Spades gang?
David Brockington served as the original president of the first division before stepping down due to internal violence. Monk took over as the new supreme president after that decision and transformed the group into a full-fledged street gang.
How did Afrika Bambaataa connect with the Black Spades?
Afrika Bambaataa joined the Young Spade 1st division 1st chapter before moving to the Bronx River Houses Black Spades 10th Division. He became a famous hip hop DJ while still connected to the organization and later formed the Universal Zulu Nation on the 12th of November 1977.
Why did the Black Spades transition from fighting to music?
Gang activity peaked in New York City during 1973 before beginning to decline due to drug use and internal violence. Members moved toward park jams, block parties, and clubs instead of violence which changed the trajectory of the organization.
What is the current status of the Black Spades today?
The year 2019 saw a comeback with new members joining the ranks under the name TBS New Direction. They now operate as a community service group focused on anti-violence initiatives and food distribution programs across the city.