What is Crenshaw Mafia known for? Their Crimes, Members, Wiki
This post is also available in: 
Español (Spanish) 
Français (French) 
Deutsch (German) 
Português (Portuguese (Portugal))
Contents
The Crenshaw Mafia is a notable street gang, which is also known under the name “Crenshaw Mafia Gangster Bloods” (CMGB), originating in the late 1970s in Inglewood, California, under the leadership of “Kay Bee.” It emerged as a distinct entity from the Inglewood Family Gang, staking its claim in the area called “The Bottom.” The gang has since evolved, forming alliances, expanding its influence beyond California, and becoming a significant presence in urban gang culture. This brief overview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the Crenshaw Mafia’s history and its impact on communities.
Origin of the gang
CMGB traces its origins back to the 1970s. Named after Crenshaw Blvd, the gang was situated between Century Blvd and 104th street, specifically in the Village Darby-Dixon area, colloquially known as “The Bottoms” or “Bottoms Ville”, six blocks dominated by two-story apartments and duplex houses, serving as the backdrop for the gang’s early years.
Contrasting accounts, however, present an alternate narrative suggesting that the gang came into existence in 1981. According to this perspective, the CMGB were formed by the former members of the Inglewood Family Gang.
The gang’s evolution is deeply rooted in the shared experiences of its members, with many having grown up together in the same neighborhood. This shared upbringing not only contributes to a sense of companionship among members but also shapes the unique dynamics within the gang. The CMGB’s territorial influence extends beyond mere geographical boundaries, as it becomes a symbol of identity and belonging for those who call it home.
Injunction against the Crenshaw Mafia
On 17 December 1997, significant legal action took place as the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office sought an injunction against the CMGB. This strategic move was prompted by the alarming statistics that pointed to the gang’s involvement in 19 murders over the preceding four years.
The issuance of the injunction marked a concerted effort by law enforcement to curb the escalating violence attributed to the CMGB. In essence, an injunction is a court-issued order that restricts the activities of a particular group or individuals associated with criminal organizations. In this case, the aim was to disrupt the gang’s operations and prevent further criminal activities.
Remarkably, the impact of the injunction became evident in the subsequent two years. During this period, the CMGB supposedly didn’t commit any such crimes. This apparent decrease in violent incidents following the legal intervention underscores the effectiveness of the injunction in disrupting the gang’s criminal operations and promoting community safety.
View this post on Instagram
Gang influence spreads
In establishing longstanding affiliations, the Crenshaw Mafia Gang has formed a close-knit bond with the LA Denver Lane Bloods for over two decades. The historical context of this alliance, initially known as the “Denver Mafias” and later evolving into the “Mafia Lanes,” reflects the gang’s adaptability and intergenerational continuity.
The CMGB’s network of alliances is expansive, involving co-operation with various other gangs such as the Inglewood Family Gang, Centinela Park Family Bloods, Family Swan Bloods, Rollin 60s, Weirdoz Gangster Bloods, Athens Park Bloods, Harvard Park Brims, and the Rollin 20s Neighborhood Bloods. This intricate web of connections highlights the complex social landscape in which illegal gangs operates.
Beyond the borders of California, the CMGB has extended its influence to states including Tennessee and Georgia, underscoring the transregional nature of contemporary gang activities. This geographical diversity adds a layer of complexity to the gang’s organizational structure, and challenges law enforcement agencies attempting to address gang-related issues on a broader scale.
Despite ongoing efforts to address gang-related challenges, the CMGB maintains a resilient presence in the 104th street area. The reference to the “WorldWideWh104ping Movement” suggests a commitment to preserving and expanding their influence, signaling a multifaceted challenge for communities and authorities alike.
Media Representation
The gang and its most influential members have found its way into popular culture through various media depictions, providing glimpses into the gang’s representation in films and music. In the 1991 film “Boyz n the Hood,” the gang is subtly referenced when a student vehemently declares, “I ain’t from Africa. I’m from Crenshaw Mafia!”, adding a layer of cultural identity and affiliation, highlighting the gang’s presence within the community.
Seven years later, in another scene from “Boyz n the Hood,” a police officer harasses the character Tre, accusing him of being a member of the Crenshaw Mafia. This portrayal reflects the real-world challenges faced by individuals who may be unfairly associated with gang affiliations, based on stereotypes or appearances.
The influence of the Crenshaw Mafia is further acknowledged in the 1993 song “Piru Love”, by Bloods & Crips from their album “Bangin’ on Wax.” The mention of the gang in the lyrics contributes to the broader narrative surrounding the cultural impact and recognition of various street gangs in the music scene.
In the 2015 film “Straight Outta Compton,” the gang is brought to life through the character OG 2 Tone, a Crenshaw Mafia member. In a confrontational scene, OG 2 Tone warns some students on Ice Cube’s school bus, stating, “Remember me. OG 2 Tone. Crenshaw Mafia, Blood.” This portrayal emphasizes the tensions between gang affiliations, and offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics within the Los Angeles gang culture during that era.
These depictions in media underscore the significance of CMGB within the broader cultural landscape, shedding light on the gang’s presence, challenges faced by its members, and the impact on the larger community. Such portrayals contribute to the ongoing discourse on the representation of gang culture in popular media, and its influence on public perception.
The Bloods
The Bloods gang emerged in Los Angeles with roots dating back to the late 1960s. Initially formed as a response to the growing influence of the Crips, the Bloods’ origins can be traced back to an incident at Centennial High School in Compton. Sylvester Scott, attacked by Raymond Washington and other Crips, retaliated by founding the Piru Street Boys, considered the first “Bloods” gang. Benson Owens also established the West Piru gang. The Bloods were born out of the need for protection against the Crips, with the term “blood” becoming a common identifier among non-Crips gangs.
https://www.facebook.com/AntonioAhrtHauz/posts/pfbid02v7BMUVx3wAS3HGk9qY3caFXYFcFkGz1LcJ7pE7cogj5L1HToj8R9eUrfWdKX4PAl
A pivotal moment in the Bloods-Crips rivalry occurred on 21 March 1972, when Crips assaulted and robbed Robert Ballou Jr. in front of the Hollywood Palladium. Ballou’s refusal to give up his leather jacket resulted in his tragic death, attracting widespread media coverage. Subsequent Crips assaults heightened their notoriety, leading non-Crips gangs the Pirus, Black P. Stones, and Athens Park Boys to resist Crip dominance.
The murder of Fredrick “Lil Country” Garret by a Westside Crip in June 1972 marked the first Crips-on-Crips killing, prompting non-Crips gangs to unite. The Brims retaliated in August 1972, murdering an original Westside Crip member, Thomas Ellis. In response to growing Crips pressure, the Pirus held a meeting, leading to the formation of the Bloods. The Pirus are recognized as the founding group of the Bloods, and this alliance served as a federation of non-Crips neighborhoods.
By 1978, there were 15 Blood sets, but they still faced a numerical disadvantage against the Crips. To assert their influence, the Bloods became increasingly violent. In the 1980s, the Bloods gained notoriety for spreading crack cocaine throughout Los Angeles, contributing to a surge in their membership. The allure of immense profits from drug distribution facilitated their expansion to other cities and states, establishing a significant presence beyond their initial Los Angeles roots.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish) Français (French) Deutsch (German) Português (Portuguese (Portugal))
