By: Tiara Irvin

Hells Angels are a motorcycling club. The motorcycling gang was organized by several War World II veterans. The name originated from the 1938 movie “Hell’s Angels”. The founders took the brutal and efficient reputation of the squadrons and deiced it would go well with their club’s mentality. In 1948, the first Hells Angels chapter was formed in San Bernardino. In 1954, the next chapter was created in San Francisco and a third in Oakland in 1957. Thanks to Ralph Hubert, the founder of the Oakland chapter, Hells Angels expanded nationwide. Over the past 30 years, Hells Angels has continued to expand. Before one can start to understand what being a Hells Angel is about, it’s essential that one understands the role of the Harley Davison motorcycle. The Harley Davison is an American icon of freedom and power. American built with American iron, it’s a statement of all things American. The bikes are big, powerful, and flashy. The army utilized the bikes in World War II so they already had a special place the hearts of the founding members of the Angels. As the company expanded and engineered more and more powerful machines the desire for a “hog” kept increasing as well.
Currently, Hells Angels claims 3000 to 3500 members and more than 230 chapters in 27 countries. Membership has increased by 10% annually during the past five years. In the United States, HAMC is active throughout the country. Due to the international scope of the organization, Hells Angels are able to coordinate drug smuggling operations with prominent drug trafficking organizations, such as the Italian Mafia and Columbian cartels. In this way, criminal connections are easily enhanced.

Hells Angel’s membership is limited to male Whites, Hispanics, Asians 18 years old or older, and Harley-Davidson owners. The membership process is very involved. The preliminary stage ensures that the potential member is committed to the group. Once the commitment is established, his status is changed to a “hang-around”. A hang-around completes small tasks to gain respect from gang members. Later he may become a “prospect” for the chapter if a member will sponsor him. After another full year or more, the prospect must be voted in unanimously by the chapter members to gain full membership.
Members join for a variety of reasons. First, bikers often consider themselves as loners and join gangs for mutual protection. The bonds with other motorcyclists are strengthened by the rejection of mainstream society. Secondly, they use OMGs as mechanisms of power. Oftentimes, OMG membership brings them legitimate and illegitimate job opportunities and financial prospects. Additionally, members feel a sense of control while intimidating less powerful, defenseless citizens. Generally, the values of this OMG subculture lie in the value of brotherhood, the interest in motorcycling, and respect for mechanical skills. Although many motorcycle gang members are loners, many have families, are gainfully employed, and have much to lose despite their risk-taking.
Every local HAMC chapter submits to a set of bylaws that lay out the rights and responsibilities of members. If members break rules or bylaws, such as missing meetings, not paying dues on time, or taking intravenous drugs, they are punished accordingly. Sanctions range from simple fines to assault by fellow gang members. One of the most serious offenses is failing to respond to a call for help from HAMC. In such cases, members may be exonerated or death sentences may be rendered.
Through the years they built up a reputation of a barbaric nature. They treated life as one constant party. “Forever Loaded” was a phrase commonly tattooed on the chests of members. Symbols of Hells Angels include a skull with wings. This is called the “Death Head.” The death is placed between the top rocker and bottom rocker of a jacket. The top rocker represents the club name and the bottom reveals the chapter. All members wear leather jackets with the sleeves cut off. Many members have a patch saying AFFA, meaning “Angels Forever, Forever Angels.” The number 81, the 8 is for the eighth letter H. The 1 is the letter A.

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Sources

* foia.fbi.gov/foiaindex/hellsang.htm * www.justice.gov/criminal/gangunit/gangs/motorcycle.html * www.nga.gov/press/exh/208/208list.pdf * www.fbiacademy.edu/pages/Motorcycle.htm * commfaculty.fullerton.edu/lester/writings/nppacolumn5.html