47 pages • 1 hour read
James Forman Jr.Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Locking Up Our Own by James Forman Jr. explores how Black leaders played a complex role in advancing tough-on-crime policies, such as mandatory minimum sentences and the War on Drugs, which led to the mass incarceration of Black Americans. The book delves into the historical decisions, the unintended consequences of these policies, and advocates for investment in education and mental health over punitive justice. The source material addresses racism and racial inequities in the US criminal justice system.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
In Locking Up Our Own, James Forman Jr. explores the complexities of African American leaders' support for policies that fueled mass incarceration. Critics praise its in-depth research and nuanced perspective, though some argue it's overly detailed. The book's balanced analysis offers a profound look at policy and its unforeseen consequences.
Who Should Read Locking Up Our Own?
Readers who would enjoy Locking Up Our Own by James Forman Jr. have an interest in social justice, criminal justice reform, and African American history. They might have already appreciated books like Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow or Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me. These readers seek detailed analyses of systemic inequality and policy impacts on marginalized communities.