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The Hells Angels. by: Tom Henderson and Trey Bleil. The beginning…. Started in 1948 in Fontana, California The name “Hells Angels” was inspired by a U.S. Air Force 303 rd Bombardment Group which was formed in the beginning of WWII
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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