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The Windy City’s Deadly Plague:
The Life of a Latin King
by
Shanna Lehman
Online Written Communication
Professor Leichtfuss
5 December 2011
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Outline
Thesis: The Latin Kings have long thrived on unity and loyalty; once a King, always a King. This mentally
proves to trap people and haunt them forever. Finding inner strength and courage to end a membership
with the Latin Kings is the only way to move on and start a new life.
I.
Gangs and racism have been, and will continue to be a part of American culture.
A. Walking away is dangerous, but taking this risk is both necessary and empowering in
starting a new life.
B. Some say the quickest exit is via the morgue or leaving the neighborhood.
1. Some see it as no choice, rather a lifelong commitment.
C. A brief history on the KKK to show how long gangs have been around.
II.
Ethnic success is the “hidden hand” of the market when sorting out those whom could best
survive competition amongst ethnic groups.
A. Immigrant groups stayed together upon their arrival to Chicago.
1. Immigrants gradually integrated into the economy, and prosperous zones of the city.
2. Chicago was filled with “ethnic enclaves”; each group segregated itself.
B. The history of gangs in Chicago is a history of racism.
1. Gangs vs. racism; young gang members feel being in a gang is a way to avoid
dependency on the social system.
2. Race continues to color every aspect of living in Chicago.
3. Race, not space explains institutionalization of gangs in Chicago.
C. Is race to blame for the foundation of the Latin Kings?
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III.
Near Humboldt Park, located on the North Side of Chicago, is where many Puerto Ricans
consider their home to be.
A. Plenty of white people live here too, but it seems each race has their own designated area.
1. The South Side of Chicago is the Mexican neighborhood.
2. The North Side of Chicago is the Puerto Rican neighborhood.
3. African American, Polish, and Italian areas are segregated throughout the “windy city”.
B. Chicago embraces its people, much like a mother loves her child.
IV.
Like the government, organization and pride are important to the Latin Kings.
A. The Latin Kings colors and symbols
1. Black and yellow are their colors.
2. A crown, with either 3 or 5 points is a well-known symbol.
3. A “Master” symbol with a tear drop may also be used.
B. Similar to the military, the LK have ranks throughout the gang.
1. The Sun King and Corona control of all Latin King operations.
2. The Crown Prince is the chief overseer under the Sun King and Corona.
3. Advisors are appointed by Sun King and Corona; their personal executive assistants.
4. The Council of Princes are leaders of different chapters; they implement policies and
goals.
5. The Crown Council is led by Crown Chairman; make new laws, change old ones (court of
LK).
6. The Chief of Security is the enforcer of the Latin Kings.
7. The Treasurers handle financial transactions.
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8. Investigators check the backgrounds of new LK members on 30 day probation; “eyes and
ears”.
9. The Finance committee buys drugs at wholesale price.
10. The Business committee distributes and sells drugs at retail price.
11. The Secretary keeps records of memberships; distributes literature.
C.
V.
The Latin Kings are a force to be reckoned with.
Drugs and weapons are a major source of revenue for the Latin Kings.
A. Types of guns possessed: .357 Magnum revolvers, 9 millimeters, .44 Magnum pistols, and
AK-47 infantry assault rifles.
1. The LK also consistently have hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
2. Most guns sold by the LK are likely to be stolen.
B. It is estimated the LK sell $15,000 of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and crack every day.
1. The cost of drugs at retail price vs. what the LK sell per day.
VI.
Breakdown Gang Intelligence Unit statistics.
A. There are over 7,400 gangs in the U.S with up to 500,000 members.
1. The gangs operate in 95% of the inner cities and 88% of the smaller cities.
B. Over 25,000 young people have died in America’s gang war.
1. Robert Woodson Sr., founder of National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise feels kids
are abandoned by their parents, and gangs fill the void.
2. Much like blaming Marilyn Manson for the Columbine shooting; pushing responsibility,
rather than accepting people are responsible for their fate.
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VII.
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Meetings are essential and mandatory in maintaining regulation throughout the Latin Kings.
A. Ranking members organize their drug operations and order murders of rival gang members.
1. Those whom invaded their territory are potential victims.
2. Ordered murders known as “food” or “plate”.
B. Members are required to pay their dues at these meetings.
IIX.
Being a member of the Latin Kings is no joke; a potential snitch is “taken care of”.
A. Jeri Lynn Dotson, 23 and a member of LK, was shot twice in the head in front of her two year
old daughter.
1. Jeri witnessed a man being kidnaped by fellow Latin Kings; the man was choked, and left
to die in a garbage bin.
2. She was shot the next day; the killers left a lighter and candy on her body.
B. A fellow member willing to testify in Jeri’s murder was scalded in the face with hot oil.
1. Other members willing to cooperate were unlikely to make it to the witness stand or
survive if they testified (snitches wear stiches).
IX.
When faced with the harsh realities of gang life, some people begin to look for a way out.
A. When a LK is given an order, if not executed, death is their punishment.
1. People are murdered because the killers don’t want to become victims themselves.
B.
A De-initiation ceremony or violation is: four against one for three minutes.
C. Just saying “no” to command is very dangerous and potentially deadly.
1. A broken limb, knocked out teeth, burns to the face, and bruises are consequences.
D. Fading away for people over 19 is a way to “get out” of the LK.
1. Members use their spouse and kids as reason for not hanging out with the Kings.
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2. The only way for young kid to get out: get killed.
E. The Latin Kings vs. the Nazis (compare the two).
X.
Members need to set high standards for success; not settle for what is expected of a Latin King.
A. A LK thinking: they are not in prison, and breathing: every day is a good day.
B. A LK needs to Learn to appreciate the simple things in life.
1.
Being able to walk down the street, without looking over one’s shoulder would be
amazing.
C. An ex-LK could write poems to deal with overwhelming emotions.
D. One could gain a peace of mind; no more nightmares.
XI.
The Latin Kings are not some little gang to be taken lightly.
A.
A member may have to kill someone or be killed.
B. Some see there is no choice in leaving; others find the courage and will power to leave.
C. With the history of gangs in America and trends in the past, will it ever stop?
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The Windy City’s Deadly Plague:
The Life of a Latin King
Upon becoming a member of the Latin Kings, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of power,
money, and drugs. On the other hand; it’s not easy to walk away. In order to start over and empower
one’s self, looking the danger head on and taking a risk is necessary. Some say the quickest way to exit
the Latin Kings is via the morgue or go into hiding after packing up and leaving. Others see it as there is
no choice; being a part of the Latin Kings is a lifelong commitment (Hull, 1992). The Latin Kings have long
thrived on unity and loyalty; once a King, always a King. This mentality proves to trap people and haunt
them forever. Finding inner strength and courage to end a membership with the Latin Kings is the only
way to move on and start a new life. When the Klu Klux Klan was founded in 1866, they paved the way
for racism and the formation of future gangs. With gangs and racism having long been a part of
American culture, it’s a wonder if it will ever end.
Robert Park, a leader of the Chicago Urban League, compares ethnic success to the “hidden
hand” of the market when sorting out those whom could best survive competition amongst different
ethnic groups (Hagedorn, 2006). Immigrant groups stuck together upon their arrival to Chicago;
eventually integrating into the economy and moving into prosperous zones throughout the windy city.
Park considers Chicago to be full of ethnic enclaves, which occurs when each race or group of people
segregates themselves (Hagedorn, 2006).
When considering the history of gangs in Chicago, think of it as a history of racism. Many young
gang members feel that by joining a gang they are avoiding becoming dependent on the city’s social
system. It is a way for them to avoid racism; considering race colors every aspect of living in Chicago.
Think of it like this: it is race, not space that best explains the institutionalization of gangs in Chicago
(Hagedorn, 2006).
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Racism has an impact on America’s culture; there’s no denying that fact, but to what extent? Is
it fair to say that racism and segregation are responsible for the Latin Kings? The acts of violence; fear
instilled into surrounding communities; drugs spread throughout the area; all from racism? It may be
fair to say racism and segregation don’t help, but maybe being a member of the Latin Kings is easier
than putting one’s self out there into the “real world”; working 8 to 5 and making an honest living.
Looking for the easy way out of working hard to support a family could be a possibility.
Near Humboldt Park, located on the North Side of Chicago, is where many Puerto Ricans
consider their home to be (Sanchez, My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King, 2000). White people live
there too, but the area is mainly dominated by Puerto Ricans; as other areas are segregated. The South
Side of Chicago is considered the Mexican neighborhood; between the North and South Sides lays the
areas where African Americans, the Polish, and the Italians reside (Sanchez, My Bloody Life: The Making
of a Latin King, 2000).
To get a clearer picture of how Chicago embraces different nationalities, consider how a mother
loves her child. It is an unconditional love; no matter what the child does or how the child acts. It is
acceptance; race and gender aside, they are welcomed with open arms. Chicago seems to be a “melting
pot” of ethnicities and the windy city accepts and embraces it. The Latin Kings have been a part of
Chicago since the mid 1960’s. Whether Chicago likes it or not they will continue to be; with strength and
structure, it doesn’t seem like the Latin Kings are going anywhere anytime soon.
Like the government, organization and pride are important in maintaining structure and
strength for the Latin Kings. Black and yellow are the Latin Kings (LK) colors. Their symbols, which
represent gang territory, is a crown with either three or five points, and a master symbol with a tear
drop (Sanchez, My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King, 2000).
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Similar to the military, the LK have ranks throughout their organization; each rank having their
own designated responsibilities. The Sun King and Corona oversee and control all of the LK operations.
The Crown Prince is the chief overseer, directly under the Sun King and Corona. The Advisors are
appointed by the Sun King and Corona, and are considered their own personal assistants (Sanchez, My
Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King, 2000). Each chapter of the LK has their own Council of Princes
whom implements policies and goals. The Crown Council is led by the Crown Chairman; making new
laws and changing old ones. They are considered the “court” of the LK. The Chief of Security is the
enforcer of the laws and regulations given by the Latin Kings (Sanchez, My Bloody Life: The Making of a
Latin King, 2000).
The Treasurer of the Latin Kings handles all financial transactions. The Investigators do all of the
background checks on the new LK members during their 30 day probation period; they are considered
the “eyes and ears” of the LK. The Finance Committee buys all of the LK drugs at wholesale price, and
the Business Committee distributes and sells those drugs at retail price. The cops generally bust
members of the Business Committee without ever finding members of the Finance Committee. Lastly,
there is the Secretary whom keeps records of all memberships, and distributes literature throughout the
Latin Kings (Sanchez, My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King, 2000). With having their own personal
committee of drug dealers, and needing to protect themselves from rival gangs; it’s no wonder that they
both play a major role throughout the lives of the Latin Kings.
With so much thought put into gang organization, it becomes clear that the Latin Kings are a
force to be reckoned with. It may be easy to arrest and bust the lower ranks, but they protect the higher
ranks. When put in situations of snitching on a LK member, they have to weigh the pros and cons. Get a
reduced sentence and killed by a LK, or sit the full sentence and survive.
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Drugs and weapons are a major source of revenue for the LK. Some of the guns, both possessed
and sold by the LK are: .357 Magnum Revolvers, 9 Millimeters, .44 Magnum Pistols, and AK-47 Infantry
Assault Rifles (Chivers, 2000). Don’t forget about the hundreds of rounds of ammunition needed to use
these deadly weapons. Most of the guns sold and used by the Latin Kings are likely to have been stolen;
be it by breaking into someone’s home, or killing someone, and taking their gun (Chivers, 2000).
Selling drugs helps to fund the Latin King’s lifestyle. It is estimated that around $15,000 of
marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and crack are sold every day by the Business Committee of the Latin Kings
(Chivers, 2000). When you consider how much these drugs cost at retail price: marijuana is $30 a
quarter, cocaine is $215 per gram, heroin is $15 per bag(hit), and crack costs about $40 for a large rock;
it would take a lot of foot power to sell $15,000 of drugs per day.
The Gang Intelligence Unit lends some startling statistics on gang activity in America. Over 7,400
gangs are currently active in the U.S, with over 500,000 members. These gangs operate in 95% of the
inner cities (Chicago and New York), and in 88% of the smaller cities. Over 25,000 young people have
lost their lives in America’s gang war (Arinde, 2006).
Robert Woodson Sr., founder of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, feels kids are
abandoned by their parents, and gangs can fill that void (Arinde, 2006). This seems to be the same
mentality speculators have about other tragedies. For example, the Columbine shooting; very sad that
two young teen boys could be capable of committing such a horrid act of violence. The media played
into the idea that Marilyn Manson had something to do with it. Rather than coming to a conclusion that
the boys were mentally unstable, the media was blamed. In the case of the Latin Kings, it seems that the
parents are now to blame. A parent abandoning a child is heartbreaking, but it seems unjust to say
that’s what is leading the youth to gangs. How about pointing the finger at society, as a whole? The
American dream seems to have been misconstrued, and interpreted as having money, success, and
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power. These principles seem very similar to those of the Latin Kings. Is it possible that in a desperate
attempt to achieve the “unachievable” American dream, the Latin Kings feel this is the answer? By
means of achieving control and order among the LK, meetings are essential.
Meetings are a mandatory act for the Latin Kings in maintaining regulation throughout the gang.
High ranking members organize their drug operations, and order murders of rival gang members during
these meetings. Murders are ordered upon people that have invaded the LK territory or disrespected
them. The victims of these ordered murders are known as “food” or “plate”. These meetings are also
when members of the LK are required to pay their dues (Rivera, 2010). The Latin Kings demand loyalty
and honor; defying these demands could be deadly.
Being a member of the Latin Kings is no joke; a potential snitch is “taken care of”. Jeri Lynn
Dotson, a 23 year old member of the Latin Kings, was shot twice in the head in front of her two year old
daughter. Jeri witnessed a man being kidnapped by fellow LK; the man was choked and left to die in a
garbage bin. She was shot the next day; the killers left a lighter and candy on her body (Kocieniewski,
2007). A fellow member of LK, willing to testify in the murder trial, was scalded in the face with hot oil
while in protective custody. Others willing to cooperate with authorities were unlikely to make it to the
witness stand, or survive if they testified; snitches wear stiches (Jones, 2007).
When faced with the harsh realities of what being a Latin King truly entails, some begin to look
for a way out. When given an order from a higher rank, if not executed, the punishment may be death.
This may be the reason why so many people are killed: kill or be killed. When a higher rank is told a LK
wants out, a de-initiation ceremony or violation will take place. This consists of four gang members
beating the hell out of the person for three minutes. A boy who endured a violation was in a coma for 58
days before regaining consciousness. Worst part is: if they see the ex-LK on the street, he/she may get
another violation (Hull, 1992).
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If a Latin King simply says “no” to an order, they will get a beating, and maybe survive. A broken
limb, teeth knocked out, burns to the face, and bruises would be horrible, but at least the person
survived for now. An option for Latin King members 19 and over is to fade away. The person could use
their spouse and/or kids as a reason for not hanging out with the LK. Unfortunately, young LK members
feel their only option out is death (Hull, 1992).
To willingly submit one’s self to this lifestyle is mind boggling. Comparable to the codes of the
Latin Kings, seems to be a Nazi-type mentality and lifestyle. As harsh as this seems, it makes sense. Nazis
had to kill Jewish people because of their race and religion; much like the Latin Kings kill others because
of their gang affiliation or race. A Nazi soldier couldn’t walk up to Hitler and say they are done and don’t
want to kill anymore; execution could be their fate. The Latin Kings don’t take walking away well;
punishable by a violation or death. By no means is the impact of the Latin Kings in any way comparable
to the horror and injustice of the Holocaust, but some of the implemented rules are similar. Members of
the Latin Kings need to push themselves toward success, not towards prison or an early death sentence.
Success breaths success; people shouldn’t settle for what’s expected from the Latin Kings. The
thought process of, “At least I’m not in prison and I’m breathing: it’s a good day”, shows the low
standards of members of the Latin Kings. Instead, relieving one’s self of the burdens of being a LK can
bring back simple pleasures in life. Walking down the street without having to look over one’s shoulder
is something many take for granted (Venkatesh, 2008).
After experiencing and witnessing so many horrific incidents, many ex-Latin Kings find it hard to
cope with all of the emotions, and mental anguish they are feeling. Writing poems can help people clear
their minds, while giving them an artistic outlet. People would gain a peace of mind by leaving the LK; no
more nightmares and murders (Venkatesh, 2008).
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The Latin Kings are not some minor league gang; they are a powerful force, and are determined
to meet their goals. With thoughts of killing someone or being killed running through someone’s head, it
could leave them at a pivotal point in their life: stay or walk away. Keep committing crimes or run the
risk of a deadly violation. Seems like a lose-lose situation, but finding the courage and will power to
stand up to the higher ranks, and take a violation suits the situation best. In the long run, getting out
while one can seems to outweigh the idea of continuing down a beaten path. With the history of gangs
in America and past trends, one has to wonder if there will ever come a day when everyone can walk
down the street without looking over their shoulder.
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References
Arinde, N. (2006, February 2). Gangland. New York Amsterdam News, 97(6), pp. 3-44.
Chivers, C. J. (2000, September 11). Police Say Gang Offered Buffet of Guns and Drugs. New York Times,
p. 3.
Hagedorn, J. M. (2006). Race Not Space: A Revisionist History of Gangs in Chicago. Journal of African
American History, 91(2), pp. 194-208.
Hull, J. D. (1992, August 17). No Way Out. Time, 140(7), p. 38.
Jones, R. G. (2007, October 12). Jury Finds Gang Member Guilty of Trenton Murder. New York Times, p.
5.
Kocieniewski, D. (2007, September 19). In Prosecution of Gang, A Chilling Adversay: The Code of the
Streets. New York Times, p. 1.
Rivera, R. (2010, May 14). Agents Swarm Raid Against Bloods and Latin Kings. New York Times, p. 19.
Sanchez, R. (2000). My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King. Chicago: Chicago Review Press,
Incorporated.
Sanchez, R. (2003). Once a King Always a King: The Unmaking of a Latin King. Chicago: Chicago Review
Press.
Venkatesh, S. (2008). Gang Leader for a Day. New York: Penguin Books.
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Learning Plan 11: Scoring Guide 1 Research Paper
Scoring Standards:
You must achieve 70% of the total points to demonstrate competence.
Rating Scales
4
2
0
Acceptable
Needs improvement
Unacceptable
Criteria
Values
RESEARCH OUTSIDE SOURCES
You locate a variety of appropriate sources for your Research Paper.
4
2
0
You use varied sources of information for your Research Paper.
4
2
0
You differentiate between primary and secondary sources.
4
2
0
You extract information using a variety of methods (i.e., quotes, paraphrases, summaries).
4
2
0
Research Paper relies on multiple sources. (The sources must be acceptable according to the
guidelines.)
4
2
0
Only acceptable sources, which include the JSTOR, EBSCO Academic Search Elite,
Opposing Viewpoints, and other various art and humanities databases that publish peerreviewed articles, are used for your Research Paper. Your research is from peer-reviewed
articles from academic journals.
4
2
0
No traditional .coms, online or hardback dictionaries, encyclopedias, specialty dictionaries,
etc. are used as sources for your Research Paper.
4
2
0
Research Paper presents relevant evidence from sources that is sufficient to the purpose,
scope, and audience.
4
2
0
Research Paper presents concrete and accurate evidence from sources.
4
2
0
Research Paper integrates quoted and paraphrased information.
4
2
0
Quotes and paraphrases used in the Research Paper retain the intent of the original document. 4
2
0
Research Paper forms valid conclusions based on diverse viewpoints.
4
2
0
Research Paper presents an organizational scheme suited to purpose and audience. (A formal
outline is created according to the required format and submitted along with your Research
4
Paper.)
2
0
Research Paper displays a distinct introduction, body, and conclusion.
2
0
SYNTHESIZE INFORMATION FROM SOURCES
ORGANIZE DOCUMENT CONTENT
4
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Research Paper utilizes appropriate transitions.
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4
2
0
Research Paper incorporates ideas generated in earlier steps.
4
2
0
Research Paper emphasizes ideas of greatest importance.
4
2
0
Research Paper states or clearly implies a thesis.
4
2
0
Research Paper uses ideas that are clearly related to thesis.
4
2
0
Research Paper relies on concrete support.
4
2
0
Research Paper's tone matches document's purpose.
4
2
0
Research Paper selects language for the specific audience (concrete, abstract).
4
2
0
Research Paper is free of confusion and contradiction.
4
2
0
Research Paper is concise.
4
2
0
Research Paper includes necessary documentation (i.e., in-text citations and Works Cited).
4
2
0
4
2
0
You produce a document appropriate to audience, purpose, content, and situation.
4
2
0
Document appearance conforms to specified standards for format. (You followed the format
on pages 556-569 in the textbook.)
4
2
0
Document design contributes to readability.
4
2
0
Research Paper follows an accepted standard for documentation - either MLA or APA
format.
4
2
0
Your document is neatly word-processed.
4
2
0
Your writing is clear; it's easy to read and understand.
4
2
0
Your writing is concise; you eliminate wordiness and use action verbs.
4
2
0
Your writing is complete; the reader understands the information you are presenting.
4
2
0
Your writing is correct; no errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and
mechanics exist.
4
2
0
You follow directions.
4
2
0
You meet deadlines for coursework.
4
2
0
4
2
0
WRITE FINAL TEXT FROM DRAFTS
EDIT DOCUMENT BASED ON CONVENTIONS OF STANDARD ENGLISH
You verify English usage against conventional standards (sentence structure and word
usage).
DESIGN DOCUMENT FORMAT
CORE ABILITY: Communicate clearly.
CORE ABILITY: Act responsibly.
CORE ABILITY: Demonstrate integrity.
You demonstrate pride in your work by striving for the highest possible quality.