The first black youth gangs were organized in the early 1920's. In the 1960's it was estimated that 300 black youths belonged to gangs, but today there are approximately 20,000 gang members in the two major black gangs, i.e., the Bloods and Crips. The average age of youth gang members continues to decline; most experts believe the average age to be 15, but the members could be as young as 9 or 10. Many black youth gangs operate in inner- city ghettos and are found in cities where there is a significantly large black population, such as New York City, Chicago, and Newark. Black gangs use graffiti to delineate gang turfs as well as a form of dispute; they also communicate by speech patterns, slangs, and hand signs. Other symbols of gangs are the color of their clothing and tattoos. Black gang activities include drug trafficking, associated violent offenses, arson, vandalism, and extortion. Strategies to prevent and control gangs include suppression, intervention, and prevention. Dealing with gangs requires a multidisciplinary, collaborative, holistic approach. Understanding the reasons that compel youths to join gangs is the first step in confronting the problem. The next step is to recognize the need for a coordinated response that includes social service organizations, schools, the criminal justice system, and other concerned groups in the community. 45 references