Nolen while they were incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County, California.

[11] Inspired by Marcus Garvey, the BGF characterizes itself as an ideological African-American Marxist–Leninist[12] revolutionary organization composed of prisoners.

The BGF's ideological and economic aims, collectively known as "Jamaanomics", are laid out in the group's Black Book.

[21] Later, however, leaders of both the Bloods and the Crips denied the allegations,[22] released a video statement asking for calm and peaceful protest in the area,[23] and joined with police and clergy to enforce the curfew.

[24] At one occasion, gang members helped to prevent a riot at the Security Square Mall by dispersing attempted rioters.