Who Created The Bloods? The Real History Behind The Infamous Street Gang And The Scientific Origins Of Blood

The question of "who created the Bloods" carries two vastly different meanings depending on the context of your search. For most, it refers to the historical origin of the Bloods, one of the most widely recognized street gangs in American history, which originated in Los Angeles, California. For others, particularly those researching medical history or biology, the query points toward the scientific discovery of human blood, blood cells, and blood types.

Understanding both aspects provides a comprehensive look at how these terms shape our cultural, historical, and scientific landscapes. This article delivers an in-depth exploration of the founders of the Bloods street gang, the sociological environment that led to their formation, and a dedicated breakdown of the scientific pioneers who mapped the human circulatory system.

The Origins of the Bloods Street Gang in Los Angeles

The Bloods street gang was not created by a single individual, but rather emerged as a defensive alliance of various independent neighborhoods in Los Angeles during the early 1970s. To understand why the Bloods were created, one must examine the socio-economic conditions of South Central Los Angeles and Compton during this era. Following the civil rights movement, systemic disinvestment, police brutality, and the decline of manufacturing jobs left many minority youth marginalized. During this period of vulnerability, another street gang known as the Crips began to rapidly expand, using intimidation and violence to assert dominance over rival neighborhoods.

In response to the aggressive expansion of the Crips, several independent street gangs decided to band together to protect themselves. The catalyst for this alliance occurred on Piru Street in Compton. The Piru Street Boys, who had initially maintained a peaceful, cooperative relationship with the Crips, experienced a violent falling out with them. Recognizing that they were outnumbered, the Pirus reached out to other independent gangs that were also targeted by the Crips, including the L.A. Brims, the Bishops, the Denver Lanes, and the Athens Park Boys.

In late 1972 and early 1973, representatives from these marginalized neighborhoods met to form a unified coalition. This alliance adopted the name "Bloods" to symbolize brotherhood, solidarity, and their shared opposition to the Crips. To distinguish themselves from their rivals, who wore blue, the newly formed Bloods alliance chose the color red. This marked the official birth of one of the most influential and complex street organizations in United States history.

Key Founders and Pivotal Figures of the Bloods Alliance

While the Bloods formed as a collective alliance, several key figures played instrumental roles in organizing the initial sets. Sylvester "Puddin" Scott and Benson Owens are widely recognized as the primary founders of the Piru Street Boys, the cornerstone organization of the Bloods. Scott and Owens established the Pirus as a neighborhood group to protect local youth from outside harassment, but as the conflict with the Crips escalated, their leadership shifted the group toward a more organized, defensive military posture.

Another critical figure in the early development of the alliance was T. Rodgers, who founded the Almighty Black P. Stone Nation in Los Angeles. Rodgers, who had moved to California from Chicago, brought Midwest gang organizational structures and political ideologies to the West Coast. His influence helped shape the operational tactics of the early Bloods, assisting in turning localized neighborhood defense cliques into a highly structured, formidable network capable of resisting Crip expansion across Los Angeles County.

In the decades that followed, the Bloods underwent a massive geographic expansion, most notably with the creation of the United Blood Nation (UBN) on the East Coast. Founded in 1993 by Omar "Original Gangster Mack" Portee and Leonard "Deadeye" McKenzie at the Rikers Island jail complex in New York, the UBN was established to protect African American inmates from dominant Hispanic prison gangs. The UBN quickly spread from the prison system to the streets of New York, New Jersey, and the wider East Coast, operating independently from the original West Coast sets but adopting similar colors, symbols, and rivalries.

The Scientific Counterpart: Who Discovered Human Blood and Blood Groups?

When looking at the query from a scientific perspective, the question of "who created blood" shifts from a sociological origin to a medical one. Humans did not "create" blood, but pioneering scientists spent centuries unlocking the mysteries of hematology, the study of blood. The first person to observe red blood cells under a microscope was the Dutch biologist Jan Swammerdam in 1658. Using early microscopic technology, Swammerdam observed "particles" flowing through the vessels of frogs and humans, laying the foundation for modern cellular biology.

A century later, British anatomist William Hewson, often referred to as the "Father of Hematology," conducted groundbreaking research on blood coagulation and the lymphatic system. Hewson isolated the fibrinogen protein, which is essential for blood clotting, and described the true shape of red blood cells, noting that they were flat discs rather than spheres. His work allowed future medical professionals to understand how the body heals wounds and manages internal circulation.

The most revolutionary discovery in hematology occurred in 1900 when Austrian physician and biologist Karl Landsteiner identified the human blood groups. Before Landsteiner’s discovery, blood transfusions were highly dangerous and often fatal, as doctors did not understand why some patients accepted donor blood while others suffered severe, lethal reactions. Landsteiner identified the A, B, and O blood groups (and later, the AB group), demonstrating that individuals produce specific antibodies that react to foreign antigens. This monumental discovery, which earned Landsteiner the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930, made safe blood transfusions possible and saved millions of lives globally.

Comparative Analysis: Sociological Gang History vs. Scientific Hematology

To better understand the two primary search intents behind the query "who created bloods," it is helpful to analyze how these terms operate across different contexts, geographic locations, and historical timelines.

The Evolution and Modern Legacy of the Bloods

Over the past fifty years, the West Coast Bloods and the East Coast United Blood Nation have evolved significantly from their original defensive purposes. What began as a localized alliance of neighborhoods fighting for survival has transformed into a highly fragmented, global subculture. Today, the term "Bloods" does not represent a single cohesive organization with a centralized leader; instead, it consists of hundreds of individual "sets" that operate independently, sometimes even engaging in conflicts with one another over territory and resources.

The popularization of West Coast hip-hop culture in the late 1980s and 1990s brought the imagery, slang, and aesthetics of the Bloods into the global spotlight. While this gave rise to international awareness, it also led to the romanticization of gang culture among youth who did not understand the violent, systemic poverty that catalyzed the gang's creation. Sociologists emphasize that the persistence of street gangs is directly tied to systemic issues such as lack of economic mobility, underfunded public education, and inadequate community infrastructure.

In response to the cycles of violence, many former gang members and community activists have established intervention programs. Organizations like the Watts Peace Treaty of 1992 demonstrated that rival factions could come together to negotiate peace and work toward community rebuilding. By addressing the root causes of gang involvement—such as trauma, lack of mentorship, and economic instability—community leaders aim to dismantle the cycle of violence that has impacted generations of families since the early 1970s.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Creation of the Bloods

Who was the very first Blood member?

There is no single "first" Blood member, as the gang was formed as a coalition of pre-existing neighborhood groups. However, members of the Piru Street Boys in Compton, led by figures like Sylvester Scott and Benson Owens, are recognized as the foundational members who initiated the alliance.

Why did the Bloods choose the color red?

The Bloods chose the color red to directly contrast with their primary rivals, the Crips, who had adopted the color blue. Red served as a clear visual identifier during a time of intense territorial conflict in Los Angeles.

What is the difference between West Coast Bloods and East Coast Bloods?

West Coast Bloods originated in Los Angeles in the 1970s as a decentralized alliance of local neighborhoods (sets). East Coast Bloods, known as the United Blood Nation (UBN), were founded in 1993 in New York's Rikers Island jail system to protect African American inmates. While they share symbols and the color red, they operate under different organizational structures.

Who discovered the different human blood types?

Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian biologist and physician, discovered the ABO blood group system in 1900. His discovery made it possible to perform blood transfusions safely by matching compatible donor and recipient blood types.

How did the Piru Street Boys transition into the Bloods?

The Piru Street Boys originally associated with the Crips for protection. After a series of violent internal disputes and physical clashes, the Pirus broke away and organized a meeting with other non-Crip neighborhoods to form a defensive coalition, which became known as the Bloods.

Empowering Communities and Supporting Youth Development

Understanding the complex history of urban street gangs highlights the critical importance of community-based support systems, youth mentorship, and educational resources. If you are passionate about helping at-risk youth, reducing neighborhood violence, or supporting systemic reforms, consider partnering with local non-profit organizations, tutoring programs, or community outreach initiatives. Your involvement can help provide the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to guide the next generation toward positive, productive futures.