This Latin King went by the street name of Geronimo. Gang members had colorful street names that usually played off some aspect of their personality. I’m not sure where Geronimo’s came from. If anyone knows, please contact me so that I can update the caption.
Three things stand out to me about this photo. The first is the length of the man’s hair; it was longer than most in an era when many people sported long hair. The second is the coolness of his expression. The third has to do with way he is holding his hand. When a Latin King puts his hand over his heart like this, he is saying, “I will die for you.”
I find it interesting that people this young would feel loyalty that strong to a gang. It’s a testament to the role that the gang played in their lives … or how little they felt society had to offer them.
