Mickey Cobras
| Founded | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Named after | Henry "Mickey" Cogwell |
| Founding location | Westside, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Years active | 1954-Present |
| Territory | Chicago, Illinois (majority) Detroit, Michigan Toronto, Ontario |
| Ethnicity | Mostly African American |
| Activities | Drug Trafficking, Robbery, Extortion, Murder |
| Allies | People Nation, Black P Stones, Vice Lords[1] |
| Rivals | Folk Nation, Gangster Disciples |
The Mickey Cobras are a large street gang affiliated with the nationwide gang affiliation known as the People Nation. Based in Chicago, Illinois and consisting largely of African American membership, the gang is considered very mobile, wear the colors green and black, and factions of the gang are being established throughout the Mid-western United States.[2] The gang's criminal expertise is in narcotics. The Mickey Cobras main source of income is wholesale distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana to other gangs(most gangs must deal within their own). On April 5, 2005 US Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald described The Mickey Cobras(few in numbers compared to other gangs with same power) as one of several "super-gangs" that constitute a sizable portion of Chicago's overall gang population.[3]
History
"Egyptian Cobras"
.The Egyptian Cobras formed in the year 1954 on Chicago’s west side on the corner of Roosevelt and Maxwell. The founder of the Egyptian Cobras was James Cogwell. The Mickey Cobras back in 1954 until 1960 were known as the Egyptian Cobras. During the mid 1950s the Egyptian Cobras fought heavily with a gang called the 14th street Clovers. The 14th street Clovers were the gang that later became the Vice Lords in the late 50s. After several members of the 14th street Clovers were incarcerated by 1957, the Egyptian Cobras had less competition. While incarcerated in the St. Charles reformatory for boys, the Clovers organized and became the Vice Lords. When the Vice Lords returned to Lawndale in the year 1958, they soon swelled into a force to be reckoned with. The Vice Lords were very aggressive and the dominant gang in Lawndale; therefore, By the year 1960 the Egyptian Cobras sought better opportunities on the South Side of Chicago. They relocated to the Woodlawn community. Cogwell led the Egyptian King Cobras as they gained a foothold and reputation in Chicago. In the year 1966 the People Nation was formed and the Cobras new leader Henry(Mickey) Cogwell held second highest position in the Main 21 alliance(leaders of different gangs in the People Nation). The Cobras and the People Nation allied against the Disciple alliance and later, the Gangster nation. The Egyptian Cobras then changed their name to the Cobras Stones in 1966.
"Mickey Cobras Gang"
The Cobras leader was assassinated by the Black Peace Stone leader because of Cogwell's power within the People Nation. After these fact were learned, the followers of Henry(Mickey)Cogwell changed their organization's name again in late 70's early 80's. Taking away the Stone in their name and adding Mickey, in honor of their slain leader. Before his death, Cogwell and his organization policed the police in their communities, had received government grants to feed kids breakfast in Fuller Park area before public schools offered meals(the template for school free lunch programs all over America) and had been working as an organizer for a south side union. In 1970, the commander of the Gang Intelligence Unit for the Chicago Police Department portrayed Cogwell as the link between gangs and organized crime, particularly the Chicago Outfit. The Mickey Cobras operate mainly in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, their main base of operation is particularly in the area around Fuller Park.[4] They also controlled some of the most lucrative drug segments of Chicago Housing Authority|Chicago Housing Authority's. Robert Taylor HomesTHE HOLE Cabrini GreensTHE CASTLE Dearborns Homes DEUCE 9 D.B.shousing projects until the buildings were demolished and the Cobra drug lines forced out into the street. Despite similar origins, affiliations and murders on both sides, the BPSN and the Mickey Cobra Nation still align together in jail or prison under the banner of the People Nation. They also have a presence in other Illinois cities, Detroit, Michigan, Madison,Wisconsin Kansas City, Missouri and Toronto, Ontario:content://media/external/file/2449 .
Organizational Characteristics
Today the Mickey Cobras are known formally as the "Reformed Kingdom of Mickey's Cobras". In their original identity, they were known as the Egyptian King Cobras.
Islamic Influence
After three generations, the group has come to have a strong Islamic influence. The Mickey Cobras now have their own unique written constitution and by-laws, which show a strong Islamic influence, just like those of the modern-day BPSN. In the Illinois prison system, they are apart of the People Nation. The collective name of joined gangs under the five point star banner(V.L.,B.P.S.,L.K., M.C.,4.C.H.,).
See also
Notes
- ^ Mickey Cobras: Chicago Street Gangs
- ^ Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representatives April 5, 2005
- ^ Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representatives April 5, 2005
- ^ The Chicago Tribune, February 23, 2006