10 Most Famous Black Gangsters of All Time

10 Most Famous Black Gangsters of All Time

Originally published by  Purity on March 2023 and Updated by Beatrice J on March 2024

The criminal underworld of America’s notorious crime cities in the 1960s and ’70s saw the rise of some of the most notorious gangsters of all time. New York, Detroit, Chicago, and Philadelphia are some of the most cited cities when it comes to the history of Black organized crime.

Syndicates such as The Council, headed by Nicky Barnes, and Philadelphia’s Black Mafia, led by Samuel Christian were involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and illegal gambling, just to mention a few. Black gangsters ran these enterprises, while others operated majorly as independent associates in the world of crime.

Known for their often under-handed tactics, violence, and use of control to effectively operate in their territories, and flashy lifestyles for some, history takes note of these 10 most famous Black gangsters of all time.

Read more on: 30 Infamous 1920s Gangsters that Everyone will Remember.

1. Frank Matthews

Photo by DEA. Wikimedia Commons.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Black Caesar’ or ‘Pee Wee’, Frank Matthews is one of the most famous Black gangsters in America. He was involved in the large-scale heroin and cocaine drug trade from 1965 until his disappearance in 1973. Spotting an extravagant lifestyle in his prime, he is estimated to have had $20 million in savings at the time of his disappearance. Born in Durham, North Carolina in 1944, Frank lost his mother at age 4 and went on to live with his aunt.

He left school in 7^th grade and by age 14 he was already leading a gang of his teenage friends in chicken theft. He later moved to Philadelphia, earning a living as a ‘numbers’ writer. It was in Philadelphia that he made contacts such as Major Coxson and some of the members of the Black Mafia, who would later become his drug connections in the city.

Determined to make more money, and tired of the numbers gambling games, he started dealing heroin around 1965. At the time, the American Mafia controlled the main heroin supply. Frank began a business relationship with a Cuban Mafia boss, Rolando Gonzalez, who operated mostly in New York. Gonzalez would send him cocaine and heroin from South America for sale in Miami, New York, and New Jersey.

When Gonzalez retired from the business and later died in 1992, Frank took it all up and expanded his networks with such incredible prowess and speed that by the early 1970s, his operation was handling millions of dollars in loads of heroin. He had two vast drug mills in Brooklyn; the Ponderosa and the OK Corral.

The Drug Enforcement Administration affirmed that Frank’s operation handled everything heroin in all major cities on the East Coast. He was finally indicted in December 1972 and charged with tax evasion and the distribution of heroin. Expected to show up in court on July 2, 1973, Frank never did. To this date, nothing about his whereabouts has been conclusively confirmed.

2. Frank Lucas

Photo by U.S Government. Wikimedia Commons.

Frank Lucas was one of the main crime bosses in Harlem, New York in the late 1960s, also dealing in the heroin trafficking business. He started interacting with petty crimes at a young age, setting an establishment on fire at one time. This event necessitated his escape from his home in La Grange, North Carolina to New York City, in fear of imprisonment or a lynching. In the city, he continued a life of crime and soon realized that to become filthy rich, he would have to cut off the middlemen and break the monopoly of the Italian mafia in New York over the heroin trade.

Lucas met his soon-to-be associate, former U.S. Army sergeant Leslie Ike Atkinson on a visit to Bangkok. The two smuggled drugs in furniture directly from Asia, and Lucas is said to have made about $52 million. He bought numerous properties all over the country and owned expensive clothing, cars, and homes. He was indicted in 1976, and sentenced to 70 years. He later agreed to be an informant and was placed in the Witness Protection Program. The 2007 movie, American Gangster, is loosely based on his life, and he is portrayed by Denzel Washington.

3. Leroy ‘Nicky’ Barnes

Founder of The Council, a Black organized crime syndicate, Nicky Barnes has been nicknamed ‘The Untouchable’ for his sneaky tactics in evading arrests and defeating charges on numerous occasions. His operation was involved in an international drug trafficking ring, and he had partnerships with the Italian-American Mafia. Majorly based and active in New York City, Barnes is considered to have been a dominant drug lord in Harlem, where he was born.

At a young age, he left home, escaping his abusive alcoholic father, and eventually turning to drug dealing to sustain himself. He was imprisoned in 1965 for drugs, and in prison, he met ‘Crazy’ Joe Gallo, a member of the Colombo crime family. It is alleged that Gallo taught him the trade of trafficking.

Once released, Barnes started recruiting his personnel for the packaging and sale of heroin. In 1972, he formed the Council, which was made up of 7 men, including Guy Fisher and Wallace Rice. Four years later, Barnes’s operation had spread into Pennsylvania and Canada. To launder money, he set up front companies such as car dealerships.

His extravagant spending is evidenced by the over $7 million worth of clothing that he owned, according to a New York Times article. When Barnes finally got indicted and convicted in 1978 on drug-related charges, things would take quite a turn.

In prison, he turned informant, claiming that he had discovered that The Council was mismanaging his assets and that Guy Fisher, one of his men, was having an affair with his mistress. Barnes implicated about 109 names, including all the Council members. He was taken under the Witness Protection Program and died in 2012 from cancer.

Have a look at the 10 Most Notorious New York Gangsters.

4. Larry Hoover

Larry Hoover, born in 1950 on the South Side of Chicago, gained notoriety as the founder and leader of the Gangster Disciples, a major street gang in the city. The gang emerged from the merging of two different Chicago-based gangs: the Black Disciples and the Supreme Gangsters. Under his leadership, the gang expanded its influence and engaged in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence.  

Hoover’s influence extended beyond typical gang dynamics. While presenting a hardened image as a criminal mastermind, he also portrayed himself as a community organizer, working to provide social programs within the Gangster Disciples. This duality added complexity to his public image. Moreover, Hoover played a pivotal role in the formation of the Folk Nation alliance, uniting various street gangs under common symbols and ideologies, demonstrating his strategic vision and influence in shaping the gang landscape.

Despite his imprisonment in 1973 on murder charges, Larry Hoover continued to exert control over the Gangster Disciples from behind bars, highlighting the enduring impact of his criminal enterprise. In 1997, Hoover faced federal charges, including conspiracy to engage in racketeering.

The charges accused him of running the Gangster Disciples from prison and participating in illegal activities. As a result, he was sentenced to an extended period of incarceration in the supermax prison, ADX Florence, known for housing high-profile and dangerous criminals. His attempts to appeal have been unsuccessful. 

5. Jeff Fort

Jeff Fort, a name synonymous with the tumultuous underbelly of Chicago , emerged as a notorious figure in the realm of organized crime during the latter half of the 20th century. Born in 1947, Fort founded the Black P. Stones gang in the early 1960s, establishing a formidable presence on the streets of Chicago’s South Side. His early life in poverty and a turbulent environment became the crucible for the creation of a gang that would leave an indelible mark on the city.

Under Fort’s leadership, the Black P. Stones evolved into a powerful force involved in a spectrum of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, racketeering, and acts of violence. The gang’s influence extended beyond Chicago, reaching other major cities, cementing Fort’s status as a significant player in the national landscape of organized crime.

Fort’s notoriety took a darker turn when he became entangled in political intrigue. In the 1980s, he was convicted on federal charges related to conspiring with Libya to perform acts of domestic terrorism, a shocking revelation that highlighted the intersection of street gangs and international politics.

Fort was convicted in 1987 and sentenced to 80 years in prison. He was later convicted of ordering a murder and sentenced to an additional 75 years in prison. Fort is currently serving his sentence at the ADX Florence, a supermax prison in Florence, Colorado.

6. Big Meech

Demetrius Flenory, widely known as “Big Meech,” etched his name into the annals of American crime history as the co-founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), a notorious drug trafficking organization that rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Born in 1968, Meech and his brother Terry Flenory built BMF into a sprawling criminal empire, establishing influence not only in their hometown of Detroit but also reaching into other major cities across the United States.

JoaoSPinto18, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Under Big Meech’s leadership, BMF gained notoriety for its extravagant lifestyle, marked by flashy cars, luxury properties, and connections to the music industry. The organization was implicated in large-scale drug distribution, money laundering, and racketeering activities. The Flenory brothers’ ability to blend street operations with an ostentatious display of wealth made BMF a unique and influential force in the world of organized crime.

Under Big Meech’s leadership, BMF gained notoriety for its extravagant lifestyle, marked by flashy cars, luxury properties, and connections to the music industry. The organization was implicated in large-scale drug distribution, money laundering, and racketeering activities. The Flenory brothers’ ability to blend street operations with an ostentatious display of wealth made BMF a unique and influential force in the world of organized crime.

In 2008, the empire crumbled when both Big Meech and Terry were convicted on federal charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and racketeering. Big Meech is currently serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Sheridan in Oregon.

7. Guy Thomas Fisher

Fisher was born on July 21, 1947, in The Bronx, New York. He was part of The Council, an organized crime syndicate headed by Nicky Barnes. The operation handled most of the heroin trafficking in Harlem, New York City from 1972 to 1983. The trade brought in millions of dollars, and Fisher even purchased the Apollo Theater in 1977, becoming the first black man to own and run it.

When Nicky Barnes was convicted in 1978, he became a federal informant, implicating his associates and partners, which led to multiple convictions. Guy Fisher was one of them. He was charged with drug trafficking, murder, criminal conspiracy, and racketeering, and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1984. He was however released from federal conspiracy on a medical pardon on October 28, 2020.

5. Stanley ‘Tookie’ Williams

Stanley ‘Tookie’ Williams is perhaps one of the most infamous gangsters in America, associated with intense violence, spree killing, and terrorizing tactics. Together with Raymond Washington, he co-founded the notorious Crips gang in Los Angeles, the first major Black street gang in America. Born and raised in South Central, Williams grew up in a crime-filled environment.

He easily began to engage in street fights as a child, watching adults abuse drugs, gamble and bet on such fights. He became a famous, cold-blooded street fighter by the time he was a teen, gaining a reputation in the neighborhood. After several counts of juvenile crime and serving time in prison, Williams was approached by Raymond Washington, and the two ended up forming the Crips.

They assimilated smaller gangs, and those who refused to give up their independence soon formed the Bloods. The latter became their biggest rival. Although Williams’ intention, as he later stated, was to ‘cleanse the neighborhood by taking out gangs’, he would soon be proved wrong following the ugly rival gang violence that ensued.

The Crips had become the very devil he had sought to eliminate. Williams was convicted in 1981 of murder and robbery, and sentenced to death. Up to his execution, he appealed and maintained his innocence to no avail. The fairness of the trial is controverted, and it spurred quite a debate about the death penalty. Williams was executed by lethal injection on December 13, 2005. He was 52 years old.

Check out the 10 Notorious Gangsters and Gangs that Operated in Los Angeles.

8. Ellsworth ‘Bumpy’ Johnson

Photo by AFGASCNS. Wikimedia Commons.

Born in 1905, in Charleston, South Carolina, he was one of the main crime bosses in Harlem, New York. Bumpy is the nickname he earned from a bump on the back of his head. From a tender age, he is said to have had bitterness and hatred against whites, especially after his brother was accused of killing a white man.

Lynching in the South was not uncommon at the time, and his mum, afraid of such occurrence raised some money and sent him to live with his sister in Harlem, in 1919. Having dropped out of high school, he began working shady deals, and soon, gangster William Hewett took note of him.

Johnson would soon get swallowed up in the world of crime, having begun working for him. By 1930, he was a master player in the numbers racket in Harlem, becoming a principal associate of the ‘Numbers Queen’, Madame Stephanie St. Clair. When a rival war flared up between them and another crime boss in New York at the time, Dutch Schultz, things got quite messy.

More than 40 were killed, and several kidnappings were done. In 1952, Johnson was convicted of a drug conspiracy related to heroin. He was to serve 15 years, the majority of which he spent in Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay. He was released in 1963 on parole and died of heart failure in 1968.

9. Samuel Christian

Samuel Christian, also known as Suleiman Bey, was born in Philadelphia on March 20, 1939. He is known as the founder of the notorious Philadelphia Black Mafia, a crime syndicate that was involved in drug trafficking, armed robbery, illegal gambling, racketeering, and several murders.

It is estimated that Christian formed the group in 1968, and by the early 1970s, the Black Mafia was largely operating the heroin trade throughout Philadelphia.  He was a former Black Panther Party member, and he changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam, a religious, political, and ‘black nationalist’ organization formed in 1930 by Wallace Fard Muhammad.

Many of the members of the Black Mafia soon joined and converted to Islam, giving the gang the nickname, ‘the Muslim Mob’.  It is regarded as one of the most ruthless, and violent crime organizations for its cold-blooded manner of operations in keeping civilians in check. Christian was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List, being a suspect in the 1972 murder of Tyrone Palmer, and Major Coxson in 1973. He was however not convicted for lack of evidence. He died on March 6, 2016.

Check out the 10 Notorious Jewish-American Gangsters you should know.

10. Raymond Washington

Photo by California Dept. of Corrections. Wikimedia Commons.

Raymond was a crime boss in South Los Angeles, and co-founder of the Crips gang, alongside ‘Tookie’ Williams. As a kid, he is said to have had an affinity for fist-fighting, and he was being expelled from schools frequently. As youth crime intensified in most of South Central neighborhoods in the late 1960s, many young teens ganged up to form affiliations such as the Chain Gang and Acey Ducey.

Washington joined The Avenues but would soon leave it after a confrontation with its leader to form his own. In 1971, having heard of Tookie’s reputation as a vicious street fighter in South Central, he proposed that they unify all small gangs in the area, an idea that culminated in the formation of the Crips.

The Crips soon became the largest street gang around, and a rival gang comprising the rest that wouldn’t join them formed the Bloods. This rivalry was soon out of control, leading to a surge in violent crime. It only got worse when their leadership fell away, with Washington’s imprisonment for robbery in 1974, and Tookie’s drug addiction making him lose effective control over the gang.

Released on parole in 1976, Washington realized that he had lost his influence over the Crips, and resolved to distance himself. He was shot in a drive-by shooting 3 years later on August 9, 1979. His murder remains unsolved.

Read more on; 20 Most Ruthless Gangsters in Boston. 

10 Movies About Black Gangsters

1.”American Gangster” (2007)

Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster” is a crime drama that delves into the true story of Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington, a Harlem-based drug lord in the 1970s. The film not only explores the rise and fall of Lucas but also delves into the broader societal impact of the drug trade.

Washington’s compelling performance, coupled with Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Detective Richie Roberts, creates a gripping narrative that transcends the typical gangster genre. The film’s meticulous attention to detail in recreating the era, combined with its exploration of the complex dynamics between law enforcement and criminal enterprises, sets “American Gangster” apart as a nuanced and powerful addition to the genre.

2.”New Jack City” (1991)

Directed by Mario Van Peebles, “New Jack City” is a gritty and impactful portrayal of the crack epidemic’s impact on urban communities. Wesley Snipes delivers a standout performance as Nino Brown, a charismatic drug lord whose empire wreaks havoc in New York City.

The film not only explores the ruthlessness of drug trade but also touches on issues of loyalty, morality, and the devastating consequences of addiction. With its pulsating soundtrack and memorable characters, “New Jack City” remains a seminal work that captures the zeitgeist of the early ’90s while making a powerful statement about the socio-economic challenges facing African American communities.

3.”Menace II Society” (1993)

The Hughes Brothers’ “Menace II Society” is an unflinching and raw portrayal of life in the violent neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles. The film follows the life of Caine Lawson, played by Tyrin Turner, as he navigates the complexities of growing up amidst crime and poverty.

“Menace II Society” stands out for its unapologetic depiction of the harsh realities faced by young African Americans, offering a stark critique of systemic issues and societal neglect. The film’s impact lies not only in its portrayal of violence but also in its examination of the cyclical nature of urban decay, making it a poignant and thought-provoking entry in the genre.

4.”Super Fly” (2018)

“Super Fly” is a contemporary reimagining of the classic 1972 blaxploitation film. The film follows the story of Youngblood Priest, played by Trevor Jackson, a drug dealer looking to make one last big score before leaving the criminal world.

The movie pays homage to the original while infusing a modern aesthetic and soundtrack, capturing the spirit of the original while addressing contemporary issues. “Super Fly” is a stylish and visually dynamic take on the urban crime genre, exploring themes of power, redemption, and the consequences of a life immersed in illicit activities.

5.”Paid in Full” (2002)

Charles Stone III’s “Paid in Full” is a crime drama based on the true story of a Harlem drug dealer, starring Wood Harris, Mekhi Phifer, and Cam’ron. The film explores the complexities of the drug trade and its impact on friendship and loyalty.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Ace, played by Harris, as he rises in the drug game, showcasing the seductive allure and dangers of the criminal underworld. “Paid in Full” stands out for its authentic portrayal of the characters’ lives, the moral dilemmas they face, and the consequences of their choices, making it a compelling addition to the genre.

6.”Hoodlum” (1997)

Bill Duke’s “Hoodlum” transports viewers to the criminal underworld of 1930s Harlem, offering a gripping narrative inspired by the lives of real-life gangsters such as Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson. Laurence Fishburne portrays Bumpy Johnson, a charismatic and strategic figure who navigates the complexities of organized crime.

The film explores themes of power, race, and loyalty, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous era. With its period-authentic atmosphere, stellar performances, and a narrative that weaves historical elements into the fictional storyline, “Hoodlum” provides a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in the history of organized crime in America.

7.”City of God” (2002)

Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund’s “City of God” takes us to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the lives of young individuals become entangled in the violent drug trade. The film is a visceral and visually striking portrayal of the challenges faced by residents in the impoverished Cidade de Deus.

Through its nonlinear narrative and compelling characters, “City of God” not only captures the harsh realities of life in the slums but also explores the cyclical nature of crime and the impact on the younger generation. The film’s kinetic energy and powerful storytelling have solidified its status as a cinematic masterpiece.

8.”Kingdom Come” (2001)

Doug McHenry’s “Kingdom Come” offers a different perspective within the genre, focusing on a family’s dynamics during a funeral gathering. While not a traditional gangster film, it explores the intricacies of familial relationships and the secrets that emerge during times of grief.

With an ensemble cast that includes LL Cool J, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Whoopi Goldberg, the film combines drama with moments of humor, providing a unique exploration of family dynamics against the backdrop of loss.

9.”Training Day” (2001)

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Training Day” is a gripping crime thriller that explores the corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department. Denzel Washington delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Detective Alonzo Harris, a charismatic but morally ambiguous figure who introduces rookie cop Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke, to the harsh realities of policing in South Central Los Angeles.

The film’s intense narrative, fueled by Washington’s powerhouse performance, paints a bleak picture of corruption, crime, and the blurred lines between right and wrong within the context of law enforcement.

10.”Belly” (1998)

Hype Williams’ “Belly” is a visually stylized and evocative film that delves into the world of crime and hip-hop. Starring rappers Nas and DMX, the film follows the journey of two childhood friends who become involved in criminal activities.

“Belly” stands out for its unique visual aesthetic, incorporating music video elements into the storytelling. The film explores themes of materialism, the consequences of crime, and the desire for redemption, making it a visually dynamic and thematically rich contribution to the urban crime genre.

These films collectively contribute to the rich tapestry of black gangster cinema, showcasing the genre’s ability to address societal issues, human complexities, and the universal struggle for power and redemption. As cinematic reflections of reality, they provide audiences with thought-provoking narratives that transcend the traditional boundaries of genre filmmaking.