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In Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood in the mid-1970s, the Harrison Gents, Latin Kings, and Latin Eagles all struggled for control of the streets. Here a member of the Latin Kings gives the gang’s sign. It’s the equivalent of a military salute. Note how elaborate the patch on his sweater was. Despite their fighting, gangs did provide a surrogate “family” for many kids who didn’t have much of a home life. Joining a gang in this under-served neighborhood was one of the few alternatives to living in isolation.
