5 Shocking Facts About Donise David Barksdale (King David) And The Mystery Of Donise David Barksdale Jr.
The name Donise David Barksdale Jr. immediately evokes a complex and often misunderstood chapter in American history, inextricably linked to one of Chicago’s most powerful and controversial figures. As of today, December 20, 2025, a deep dive into public records reveals that the individual most commonly known by this name, or simply David Barksdale Jr., is the son of the legendary gang leader and activist, Donise David Barksdale (Sr.), better known as 'King David.' While the father's life remains a subject of intense historical scrutiny, the life of the son, the 'Jr.,' is largely private, forcing any comprehensive analysis to focus on the monumental legacy that shaped the Barksdale name and the entire landscape of Chicago's South Side.
The senior Donise David Barksdale, who was killed in 1974, was the founder of the notorious Black Disciples, an organization that began with dual goals of community upliftment and street dominance. His short but impactful life created a ripple effect that continues to influence the city's social and criminal justice narratives decades later. This article explores the definitive biography of the father, the origins of the name, his lasting cultural impact, and the few known details about the son who carries the weight of such a historic—and sensitive—name.
The Definitive Biography of Donise David Barksdale (King David)
The figure known to history as David Barksdale was born with the full name Donise David Barksdale. His life, though tragically short, was a pivotal moment in the history of Chicago’s South Side, marking the transition of street organizations into sophisticated, powerful entities. Here is a comprehensive look at his life:
- Full Birth Name: Donise David Barksdale
- Also Known As: King David, King Dave
- Date of Birth: May 24, 1947
- Place of Birth: Sallis, Attala County, Mississippi, USA
- Parents: Charlie "Rainy" Barksdale Jr. and Virginia (Roby) Barksdale
- Spouse: Yvonne Barksdale (née Yarber) (m. 1972–1974)
- Children: Ronnie Barksdale, Melinda Barksdale, and Donise David Barksdale (Jr.)
- Notable Affiliation: Founder of the Black Disciples (originally the Devil's Disciples)
- Rival: Jeff Fort (founder of the Black P. Stone Rangers)
- Key Collaborator: Larry Hoover (co-founder of the Gangster Disciples)
- Cause of Death: Kidney failure from a gunshot wound
- Date of Death: September 2, 1974
- Age at Death: 27
- Place of Burial: Restvale Cemetery Inc, Alsip, Illinois
From Mississippi Sharecropper to Chicago's King David: The Rise of a Controversial Figure
The story of Donise David Barksdale begins not in the concrete jungle of Chicago but in the rural South. He was born in Sallis, Mississippi, to a family of sharecroppers. Like many Black families during the Great Migration, Barksdale's family moved north to Chicago in the 1950s, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South.
Settling in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, Barksdale quickly adapted to the street life. By his early teens, he was a formidable presence, known for his physical prowess and charisma. He initially led a small group known as the Devil's Disciples.
The 1960s were a period of massive social change, and Barksdale’s organization evolved to reflect the times. He rebranded his group as the Black Disciples, positioning it not just as a street gang but as a community organization with a political and social consciousness, aligning with the growing Black Power movement. This dual identity—part criminal enterprise, part community advocate—is central to his enduring mystique and is a key reason his legacy remains debated today.
Barksdale’s influence grew rapidly, particularly after a series of violent clashes with rival organizations, most notably the Black P. Stone Rangers, led by Jeff Fort. These conflicts were brutal but ultimately cemented Barksdale's reputation as a powerful and strategic leader, earning him the moniker "King David."
The Unholy Alliance: Barksdale, Hoover, and the Formation of the Gangster Disciples
One of the most significant and historically impactful moves Barksdale ever made was his alliance with Larry Hoover, the leader of the Supreme Gangsters. In 1969, the two leaders merged their respective organizations—the Black Disciples and the Supreme Gangsters—to form the Black Gangster Disciples Nation (BGDN).
This merger was a watershed moment in Chicago's criminal history. It created a massive, unified organization that wielded unprecedented power on the South Side. The alliance was a strategic masterstroke, designed to consolidate territory, minimize internal conflict, and present a formidable front against all rivals.
The BGDN, which would later fracture into the Gangster Disciples and the Black Disciples, fundamentally changed the structure of street organizations in Chicago, moving them away from small, localized groups toward large, hierarchical, and quasi-political entities. The legacy of this alliance is still visible in the city's social structure and gang landscape today.
The Dual Legacy: Activist or Crime Lord?
Donise David Barksdale’s persona was a tapestry of contradictions, a reflection of the tumultuous era he lived in. To some, he was a ruthless crime lord responsible for violence, drug trafficking, and the exploitation of his community. His arrest record was extensive, accumulating 25 arrests between the ages of 18 and 27, though he was charged in less than half a dozen cases.
To others, particularly those in his community, King David was a charismatic, Robin Hood-like figure who used his power to protect his neighborhood from outside threats and provide resources where the city failed. He was known for:
- Community Outreach: Organizing food drives and providing protection for local businesses.
- Political Engagement: Attempting to legitimize the Black Disciples by running candidates for local political offices.
- Social Programs: Using organization funds to start legitimate businesses and community programs, often as a cover, but sometimes providing genuine employment and resources.
This duality—the activist who was also a gangster—is a core element of the Barksdale legend. His death in 1974, officially from kidney failure due to an old gunshot wound, solidified his martyr status among his followers.
The Barksdale Family and the 'Jr.' Enigma
The query regarding Donise David Barksdale Jr. focuses attention on the family King David left behind. David Barksdale was survived by his wife, Yvonne Barksdale, and three children: Ronnie Barksdale, Melinda Barksdale, and a son also named Donise David Barksdale. This son is the individual to whom the "Jr." title most appropriately belongs, carrying the exact name of his father.
Unlike the father, who was a high-profile public figure, the son, Donise David Barksdale Jr., has maintained a life largely outside of the public eye. There is no current, verifiable, or widely reported news about his career, current location, or public activities. This privacy is understandable, given the intense scrutiny and potential danger associated with the Barksdale name. The family’s choice to keep the son’s life private suggests a deliberate effort to distance him from the violent and controversial legacy of his father.
The lack of public information about Donise David Barksdale Jr. serves as a powerful testament to the enduring weight of the Barksdale name. While the father’s story is one of spectacular rise and tragic fall in the public sphere, the son’s story is one of quiet life, a choice made in the shadow of a Chicago legend. The 'Jr.' may not be a public figure, but his existence is a living link to one of the most transformative, and often darkest, figures in the city's history. His life, by its very privacy, is a fresh chapter in the ongoing narrative of the Barksdale legacy.
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