The BGF was founded in 1966 by George Jackson. Originally, the BGF was called the Black Family or the Black Vanguard and were associated with the "Black Mafia." Some BGF members were formerly associated with the Black Liberation Army, Symbionese Liberation Army, and the Weatherman Underground organization.

The BGF is the most "politically" oriented of the major prison gangs. It was formed as a Marxist/Maoist/Leninist revolutionary organization with specific goals to eradicate racism, struggle to maintain dignity in prison, and overthrow the U.S. Government.

All members must be Black. Though small in number, the BGF has a very strict death oath which requires a life pledge of loyalty to the gang. Prospective members must be nominated by an existing member. BGF commonly use different versions of a dragon surrounding a prison tower and holding a correctional officer in its clutches. They will also use a crossed rifle and machete or the letters "BGF."

The BGF has members nationwide in both state and federal prisons. The gang is strongly organized on both the East and West coasts.

Although the BGF experienced a decline in membership and strength in the 90s, it has recently reorganized and gained substantial power and growth due to its alignment with the 415s, Crips, Bloods, and Black Gangster Disciples. Several members of the Crips and Bloods have recently been found with documentation from "Dove Life" (Crips) and "Blood Line" (Bloods). Both groups are believed to have working alliances with the BGF under these aliases. Members of the 415 gang and BGF have been found with documentation suggesting membership in a group called the "Firm." The Firm is believed to be a working alliance between the 415 and BGF gangs.

The BGF is currently experiencing internal conflict between old and new membership in federal custody. According to the 2002 California Department of Justice, younger members have created a new version of the gang known as the "New Man/New Woman," or the Northern Structure of the BGF. Members of the newly formed Northern Structure believe old BGF members are no longer concentrating on the correct group mission and are becoming extinct. The Northern Structure membership believes the alliances between the BGF, Crips, Bloods, and 415s will result in the Crips continuing to support the old BGF members or Southern Structure and the Bloods and 415s siding with the Northern Structure. Current intelligence suggests state BGF members continue to support the old BGF membership within federal custody. The BGF has also created what appears to be a political and paramilitary sub-group known as the "New Afrikan Revolutionary Nation," or "N.A.R.N." This group's purpose is to gather and analyze data to enhance BGF security practices and education.