Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison? - 2nd Edition by Demico Boothe (Paperback)

About the Book

WHY ARE SO MANY BLACK MEN IN PRISON? by Demico Boothe is the first book ever published that is specifically about how the "Prison Industrial Complex" affects the African-American community.

Book Synopsis

African-American males are being imprisoned at an alarming and unprecedented rate. Out of the more than 11 million black adult males in the U.S. population, nearly 1.5 million are in prisons and jails with another 3.5 million more on probation or parole or who have previously been on probation or parole. Black males make up the majority of the total prison population, and due to either present or past incarceration is the most socially disenfranchised group of American citizens in the country today. This book, which was penned by Boothe while he was still incarcerated, details the author's personal story of a negligent upbringing in an impoverished community, his subsequent engagement in criminal activity (drug dealing), his incarceration, and his release from prison and experiencing of the crippling social disenfranchisement that comes with being an ex-felon. The author then relates his personal experiences and realizations to the seminal problems within the African-American community, federal government, and criminal justice system that cause his own experiences to be the same experiences of millions of other young black men. This book focuses on the totality of how and why the U.S. prison system became the largest prison system in the world, and is filled with relevant statistical and historical references and controversial facts and quotes from notable persons and sources.

Review Quotes

"About time somebody wrote a book like this!" -- Dick Gregory, legendary comedian, activist

"Good Book!" --Michael Baisden, The Michael Baisden Show

"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

"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

"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

"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 College

"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 Abdul-Rahman Sabir, Director, AIMC (Assisting Incarcerated Muslims Corp.)

"Relevant and great for my students to hear and engage with." --Benjamin Harris, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director at Emory University; Director for the Student Center for Multicultural Life at Bowdoin College

"I found it at once persuasive and frightening. Your book is rich with insights, and I commend your honesty." --Rachel Elliott Rigolino, English Department, State University of New York at New Paltz