Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison? A Comprehensive Account of How and Why the Prison Industry Has Become a Predatory Entity in the Lives of African-American Men
"Good Book!" --Michael Baisden, The Michael Baisden Show"About time somebody wrote a book like this!" --Dick Gregory, Legendary comedian, activist, and author"Clearly one of the most important publications regarding the plight of black males in America of the past quarter-century.....a book that is a must-read for anyone remotely interested in pulling back the layers upon layers of misinformation, ignorance and apathy both within our community and without; indeed, by those who, in the words of James Baldwin, want to see what s really going on in America." --Eric Croomes, The Village Report"In his new book, Boothe eloquently addresses why so many black men are being incarcerated in prisons across America. He explains that U.S. politicians and the American government allow the prison industrial complex to use prisoners as cheap labor. The companies within this complex system also benefit because the federal government pays them for a variety of services. These companies therefore profit from the mass incarceration of black men. Speaking from personal experience he describes some unfortunate circumstances. He says black men are often targeted and perceived as criminals because of stereotypes on TV, and in the movies and newspapers. This hurts self-perceptions and what society thinks about black men. Boothe also talks about his own experience as a drug dealer and life behind bars. He reveals how poverty, an inferior education and limited job opportunities lead to a life of crime. Boothe admits he made bad choices along the way. But, during his 12 year jail sentence he raised his mind and changed his thinking by reading and studying a variety of books. It is this transformed thinking that freed Boothe from his emotional and spiritual jail cell." -- -- ----Tri-State Defender"I recommend that all African-Americans read this book...I learned so much that I had to mark up my own personal copy with highlights of passages that I found profound." --Dr. Ed Yancey, Chaplain for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Professor of African and African-American Studies, University of Memphis, Strayer University"I found this book to be thoughtful and enlightening, also a wonderful collection of factual information about the American criminal justice and prison systems. As a prison clergyman, I find this book to be a significant addition to my library. I can truly say that there is no inmate who would not benefit by reading Mr. Boothe's books and applying the principles." --Imam Addul-Rahman Sabir, Director, AIMC (Assisting Incarcerated Muslims Corp.)"Excellent...the unvarnished truth." --Steve Seibert, Director of Policy, Collins Center for Public Policy"Poignant" --The Houston Press"A most necessary literary work that deserves the immediate attention of us all."--- ---- --Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, former executive director of the NAACP, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient"This book was excellent! I learned so much that I did not know about the criminal justice system and prisons. The personal story of Mr. Boothe really grabbed me and shook me to tears, so much so that I had to invite him to speak to my students at my college for the African American Male Initiative. Mr. Boothe is an inspiration to all who have been down and out but refuse to give up, and this eye-opening literary work deserves much respect and attention from us all." --Zelema Harris, Ed.D., chancellor of St. Louis Community College, former president of Parkland College, former president of Penn Valley Community CollegeWhy Are So Many Black Men In Prison?by Demico Boothe presents a much needed and truly critical analysis of the detrimental effects of imprisonment and the ever-expanding Prison Industrial Complex on the Black community. Beginning with his own personal story as a benchmark, Boothe goes beyond so-called liberal sociological and criminological explanations for disproportionate Black male prison confinement that emphasized socio-structural maladies such as poverty, lack of jobs, poor schools, and inadequate socialization. While Boothe does not deny the relevance of the aforementioned factors, unlike other authors, he places primacy on delineating the roles of racist judges, prosecutors, and politicians in the formulation of unfair drug laws that carry exorbitant sentences for non-violent, primarily Black male offenders. Most importantly, Boothe offers solutions such as African-centered curricula in schools attended by Black students and Black control of our economic infrastructure that would foment indigenous socio-political movements that are well-planned and have the collective needs of our people at heart. Indeed, the book is a must read! --Ray Von Robertson, Associate Professor of Sociology, Lamar UniversityThis book was excellent! I learned so much that I did not know about the criminal justice system and prisons. The personal story of Mr. Boothe really grabbed me and shook me to tears, so much so that I had to invite him to speak to my students at my college for the African American Male Initiative. Mr. Boothe is an inspiration to all who have been down and out but refuse to give up, and this eye-opening literary work deserves much respect and attention from us all. --Zelema Harris, Ed.D., chancellor of St. Louis Community College, former president of Parkland College, former president of Penn Valley Community College