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Delve into the roots of the notorious Hells Angels motorcycle gang formed in 1948 in California. Explore their strict codes, insignia, territories worldwide, and impact on society. Discover their charitable activities, membership requirements, and infamous incidents.
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The Hells Angels by: Tom Henderson and Trey Bleil
Started in 1948 in Fontana, California • The name “Hells Angels” was inspired by a U.S. Air Force 303rd Bombardment Group which was formed in the beginning of WWII • By 1953, there were chapters in Oakland and San Francisco which were founded by Ralph “Sonny” Barger
Code and Insignia of the Gang • The Hells Angels have a very strict code of secrecy, not being able to talk to anyone outside of the Hells Angels about the gang • The Hells Angels use a system of patches in order to rank members just like the army • The number 81 is used as a very common patch signifying route 81, which was a main route they traveled in California • 81 is also important because the 8th letter in the alphabet is “H” and the first is “A”, making “Hells Angels”
Insignia and Rankings Continued… • Another patch widely used is a circle with a “1%” in the middle… • The American Motorcyclist Association said that 99% of motorcyclist are law-abiding citizens while the other 1% are outlaws • Most members where a rectangular patch with red letters and a white background signifying the Hells Angels and the chapter they belong to
There are also patches signifying President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant at Arms • Some members have patches with the initials “AFFA” meaning “Angels forever, forever Angels” implying a lifelong membership
Gang Territory • It has been calculated that the group populates almost all of our planet • Regions existing in North and South America, Canada,
Influence on American society and its other chapters • The Hells Angels continue to inhabit parts all over the world including North and South America, Canada, Europe, Africa, and Australia. • The Hells Angels continue to reign the streets of America, being a large drug distributor, selling marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and their biggest drug, Methamphetamine, adding to the large Meth epidemic in this county
The Hells Angels do a number a charitable events for needy children, collecting toys for the kids. Impact on Children
Membership Requirements • Traditionally, members must wear their Hells Angels jackets while riding on a Harley Davidson bike • Other than that there are no true traditions other than absolute group loyalty meaning they cannot speak of any gang activity outside of the group
River Run Riot • On April 27th, 2002 at Harrah’s Casino and Hotel, members of the Hells Angels and Mongols fought • There were three casualties and many other injuries due to gunshots and stabbings • Attorney's for the Hells Angels claimed that the Hells Angels acted in self defense by the Mongol-initiated fight
Over 300 motorcycles in the parking lot belonging to both gangs being caution taped off
Celebrity members and pop culture references • HBO series star of the primetime show “Oz”, Chuck Zito, is also a loyal member of the Hells Angels • The videogame Grand Theft Auto : Vice City also makes many references to the Hells Angels with a representational motorcycle that ride cross-country bikes named “Angels”
VIDEO • http://youtube.com/watch?v=Iqu2STTApiU&feature=related
Work Cited Page • http://www.missoulian.com/specials/hellsangels/ha02.html • http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/07.22.99/bikers-9929.html • http://www.segag.org/mcgangs/hellsangles.html