in Places & People

The Reapers of ’72: A Photographic Journey into the Lives of a New York City Street Gang

In the 1970s, street gangs became a significant part of life in New York City. These groups often formed in response to poverty, crime, and a lack of opportunities. Many young people sought belonging and protection within these gangs. One of the most notable gangs during this time was the Reapers, based in the South Bronx. Their story illustrates the complex world of street gangs in New York.

The Rise of Street Gangs

Street gangs have existed in New York City since the 19th century. They started as small groups of young men who looked out for one another in tough neighborhoods. Over time, these groups grew larger and became more organized. The 1960s and 1970s saw a spike in gang activity, especially in poor areas like the South Bronx. Unemployment was high, and many families struggled to make ends meet. This environment created a breeding ground for gangs.

These gangs often had their own identities, symbols, and territories. Members would wear specific colors or designs to show their affiliation. This created a sense of pride and unity among gang members. However, it also led to conflict with rival gangs. Violence was common, as gangs fought for control of neighborhoods and resources.

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The Reapers Gang

The Reapers were one of the prominent gangs in the South Bronx during this time. They were known for their distinctive colors and symbols. The gang had a strong bond among its members, who often came from similar backgrounds. Many were young men looking for a way to escape their difficult circumstances. The Reapers not only protected their territory but also tried to create a community for themselves.

Eddie Cuevas, the charismatic president of the Reapers, played a key role in shaping the gang’s identity. He was known for his artistic flair and had designed the Reapers’ colors. Cuevas believed in expressing individuality through art and style. This creativity set the Reapers apart from other gangs and drew attention to their cause.

In August 1972, LIFE magazine published a groundbreaking article about street gangs, focusing on the Reapers. The magazine hired a young photographer named John Shearer to capture their daily lives. Shearer was only the second African-American photographer hired by LIFE and had a unique perspective. He understood the challenges faced by the Reapers and wanted to tell their story with respect.

Before taking photos, Shearer visited the South Bronx several times without his camera. He wanted to understand the community and earn the trust of the Reapers. This was not easy, as many gang members were suspicious of outsiders. One morning, while sitting outside a bodega, Shearer met Eddie Cuevas. This chance encounter changed everything for him.

#1 Eddie often complains about being hassled by police, but he gets along well with the cop on the beat. Eventually he would like to become a policeman himself. “I’d rap to the fellows and take care of my people.”

Eddie often complains about being hassled by police, but he gets along well with the cop on the beat. Eventually he would like to become a policeman himself. “I’d rap to the fellows and take care of my people.”

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#2 Reapers gang members try to clean up their South Bronx neighborhood, 1972.

Reapers gang members try to clean up their South Bronx neighborhood, 1972.

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#3 With Javelins, nearby allies, Eddie discusses plans to clean up neighborhood.

With Javelins, nearby allies, Eddie discusses plans to clean up neighborhood.

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#4 Flanked by his war lord, wearing hat, Eddie warns the president of a rival gang to leave Reaper members alone.

Flanked by his war lord, wearing hat, Eddie warns the president of a rival gang to leave Reaper members alone.

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#5 In a city youth agency office that sometimes gives him funds, Eddie argues, above, for money for trips out of the city. “I want my boys to see what the world’s about.”

In a city youth agency office that sometimes gives him funds, Eddie argues, above, for money for trips out of the city. “I want my boys to see what the world’s about.”

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#6 A peace treaty among the gangs has been violated by rivals. Under pressure to retaliate, Eddie instead goes before a night meeting to plead for patience.

A peace treaty among the gangs has been violated by rivals. Under pressure to retaliate, Eddie instead goes before a night meeting to plead for patience.

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#8 In an apartment building corridor, members of the Reapers administer their own swift and brutal justice to a junkie accused of having stolen a Reaper’s car.

In an apartment building corridor, members of the Reapers administer their own swift and brutal justice to a junkie accused of having stolen a Reaper’s car.

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#9 Eddie and his fellow Reapers pay their respects to ‘Chino’ Rosa, a member of a neighboring gang who was knifed to death. Friends of Chino’s say he was held up and murdered by a junkie, but a grand jury decided that Chino’s assailant had been acting in self-defense. The Reapers donated a week’s dues to the bereaved family.

Eddie and his fellow Reapers pay their respects to 'Chino' Rosa, a member of a neighboring gang who was knifed to death. Friends of Chino’s say he was held up and murdered by a junkie, but a grand jury decided that Chino’s assailant had been acting in self-defense. The Reapers donated a week’s dues to the bereaved family.

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#10 Reapers president Eddie Cuevas and his mother in their South Bronx apartment, 1972.

Reapers president Eddie Cuevas and his mother in their South Bronx apartment, 1972.

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#11 Eddie Cuevas, president of the Reapers street gang, with his girlfriend Yvette, South Bronx, 1972.

Eddie Cuevas, president of the Reapers street gang, with his girlfriend Yvette, South Bronx, 1972.

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#12 Reapers president Eddie Cuevas meets with gang members, South Bronx, 1972.

Reapers president Eddie Cuevas meets with gang members, South Bronx, 1972.

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#13 Eddie and Yvette have been going steady for four years. “When we get married,” he said with pride, “she’s going to wear a white dress.”

Eddie and Yvette have been going steady for four years. “When we get married,” he said with pride, “she’s going to wear a white dress.”

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#14 Eddie Cuevas, president of the Reapers street gang, peers out a window in the South Bronx, 1972.

Eddie Cuevas, president of the Reapers street gang, peers out a window in the South Bronx, 1972.

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#15 Eddie’s mother has maintained a shrine to her husband since he died ‘of drinking and a bad temper’ four years ago.

Eddie’s mother has maintained a shrine to her husband since he died ‘of drinking and a bad temper’ four years ago.

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#16 On a Bronx street are names important to the Reapers: Eddie, his girl friend Yvette, Con and Mr. Kool, the war lord and vice-president.

On a Bronx street are names important to the Reapers: Eddie, his girl friend Yvette, Con and Mr. Kool, the war lord and vice-president.

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Written by Kevin Clark

Kevin Clark is a historian and writer who is passionate about sharing the stories and significance behind historical photos. He loves to explore hidden histories and cultural contexts behind the images, providing a unique insight into the past.

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