Hells Angels facts for kids
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| Abbreviation |
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|---|---|
| Founded | March 17, 1948 |
| Founder | Otto Friedli |
| Founded at | Fontana, California, United States |
| Type | Outlaw motorcycle club |
| Headquarters | Oakland, California, United States |
|
Region
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Worldwide (592 charters in 66 countries) |
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Membership
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6,000 |
|
Key people
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Sonny Barger |
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) is a well-known motorcycle club found all over the world. Its members usually ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In the United States and Canada, the Hells Angels are set up as a company called the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation.
People often call the club "H.A.", "Red & White", or "81". With more than 6,000 members and 592 groups (called "charters") in 66 countries, the HAMC is one of the largest motorcycle clubs of its kind globally.
Contents
History of the Hells Angels
The Hells Angels club began on March 17, 1948, in Fontana, California. Several smaller motorcycle clubs decided to join together. Otto Friedli, who was a veteran from World War II, is often given credit for starting the club. Some say the Hells Angels were founded a bit later, on November 15, 1951, in San Bernardino, California, by Dick White.
The club's website says that the name "Hells Angels" was suggested by Arvid Olsen. He was connected to the founders and had served in a special air squadron called "Hell's Angels" during World War II. This squadron was part of the Flying Tigers in China.
The first official group (charter) of the club was reportedly formed in Fontana in 1950. The Hells Angels became very noticeable in the 1960s. They were part of the counterculture movement in San Francisco, which was a time when many young people questioned traditional ways of life.
Hells Angels Insignia and Patches
The Hells Angels have a special "death's head" symbol. The club's official website says Frank Sadilek, a former leader of the San Francisco group, designed it. The early look of their jacket symbol, before 1953, was inspired by symbols from military squadrons.
The Hells Angels use a system of patches, much like military medals. The exact meaning of every patch is not shared publicly. However, these patches show a biker's special actions or beliefs. The official colors of the Hells Angels are red letters on a white background. This is why the club is often called "The Red and White". Members wear these patches on their leather or denim jackets and vests.
The number 81 is also shown in red and white on many patches, like "Support 81" or "Route 81". The numbers 8 and 1 stand for the letters H and A in the alphabet. Friends and supporters of the club use these numbers. This is because club rules usually only allow members to wear Hells Angels pictures.
Another patch is shaped like a diamond and says "1%". It has red letters on a white background with a red border. This "one-percenter" term is thought to come from a comment made by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) after an event called the Hollister riot. The AMA supposedly said that 99% of motorcyclists followed the rules, and 1% were "outlaws." However, the AMA says they never made such a statement.
Most members wear a rectangular patch that shows their specific location. This patch also has a white background with red letters and a red border. Another similar patch simply says "Hells Angels". Members who hold a position in the club wear a patch showing their role. This patch is also rectangular with a white background and red letters. Examples of these roles include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant at Arms. This patch is usually worn above the location patch. Some members also wear an "AFFA" patch. This stands for "Angels Forever; Forever Angels," meaning they are members for life.
"Angels Forever, Forever Angels" is also a traditional saying for the club. Another Hells Angels saying is: "When we do right, nobody remembers. When we do wrong, nobody forgets."
Becoming a Member
To become a "prospect" (a potential member) of the Hells Angels, a person needs a valid driver's license. They also need a motorcycle with an engine larger than 750 cubic centimeters. Most importantly, they need "the right combination of personal qualities." In North America, members must ride motorcycles made in the U.S. Harley-Davidson bikes are the most common. Other American brands like Victory and Indian are also allowed.
How the Hells Angels are Organized
The Hells Angels were one of the first organized motorcycle clubs of their kind. Other motorcycle clubs that formed later have often copied the Angels' symbols, rules, and ways of doing things. Each Hells Angels group, or "charter," is led by a team of officers. These include a president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, and road captain. On average, each charter has about ten to twelve members. Each local group can make its own decisions about member rules and small policy changes.
Unlike some other large motorcycle clubs in the United States, the Hells Angels organization does not have one single national or international president. Instead, it is led by regional officers. These officers are chosen to represent several local groups at monthly regional meetings. The regional officers are split into two main groups. One group attends the West Coast Officers Meeting ("WesCOM") to manage the Hells Angels groups in the Western United States. The other group attends the East Coast Officers Meeting ("ECOM") for the groups in the Eastern United States. The dividing line between these two regions is Omaha, Nebraska. In states with many groups, weekly state meetings are also held, in addition to the local group meetings.
While the Hells Angels do not have an official "mother charter," their main national office was in San Bernardino, California, until 1958. After that, the club's unofficial headquarters moved to Oakland, California. Any motorcycle club that wants to join the Hells Angels must apply to the Oakland group. The Oakland Hells Angels must watch and approve the applicant club before it can become a member.
See also
- List of outlaw motorcycle clubs
In Spanish: Hells Angels para niños
