The Condemnation of Little B: New Age Racism in America

by Elaine Brown

Through the story of a thirteen-year-old black boy condemned to life in prison, Elaine Brown exposes the 'New Age' racism that effectively condemns millions of poor African-Americans to a third world life. The story of 'Little B' is riveting, a stunning example of the particular burden racism imposes on black youths. Most astonishing, almost all of the officials involved in bringing him to 'justice' are black.

Michael Lewis was officially declared a ward of the state at age eleven, and then systematically ignored until his arrest for murder. Brown wondered how this boy could possibly have aroused so much public resentment, why he was being tried (and roundly condemned, labeled a 'super-predator') in the press. Then she met Michael and began investigating his case on her own. Brown adeptly builds a convincing case that the prosecution railroaded Michael, looking for a quick, symbolic conviction. His innocence is almost incidental to the overwhelming evidence that the case was unfit for trial. Little B was convicted long before he came to court, and effectively sentenced years before, when the 'safety net' allowed him to slip silently down. Brown cites studies and cases from all over America that reveal how much more likely youth of color are to be convicted of crimes and to serve long-even life-sentences, and how deeply the new black middle class is implicated in this devastating reality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Politics, 21st Century, Cultural Studies

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Dakotah Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was The New Jim Crow before The New Jim Crow. This book follows one case by tracing it backwards and forwards in the context of the making of Atlanta, GA. It's compelling, historical, and absolutely heartbreaking. If you liked The New Jim Crow or Just Mercy, this is another must-read. If you haven't read either of those, it's still a must-read.

[Camden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, really tears stuff up and looks at things from a great perspective and using awesome lenses. The way she writes is really accessible too, not a whole lot of super-academic language and the story-like layout of a lot of the book helps too.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling read about the failure of justice and law in one case and in many such cases. Elaine Brown is a fantastic writer who brings to life the complicated legalese of federal laws, court judgments and appeals. She puts a human face on the effects of New Age Racism and Tough On Crime" laws, and similar to Serial or Making a Murderer, goes deep into the limitations of one particular case and a particular trial was conducted. She holds our hand through some of the toughest concepts to grasp without talking down to us. A fantastic read that will absolutely make you reevaluate your opinions on many American historical leaders.

[Ben Cooley Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book because it exposes the systematic oppression of African Americans even (or especially) by those portraying themselves as politically liberal. Absolutely required reading.

[Haley Short · Rating 4 out of 5]

Required reading. Unbelievable story that is still so believable. It’s been 18 years since it was published and the trajectory for young black boys has only worsened. Little B is still incarcerated. This country is so fucked.

[Eddie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lesson in history, an exposé, and a case study. It delves into so many different topics. A long and detailed timeline of racist ideologies from the conception of America to the present day

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of "Little B" is compelling, haunting and tragic. Most of the book provides the context, both historical and the present operation of the criminal justice system, much as in Michelle Alexander's more recent The New Jim Crow. Especially strong on calling out the myth of the "superpredators" -- a hysteria that did much to provide the atmosphere leading to the condemnation of a thirteen year old for a murder he most likely did not commit, but which gave him an adult sentence of life imprisonment.

[anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an overview of racial policy from slavery to the mid-90s, focusing mostly on the case of Little B, a 13 year old from Atlanta who was sentenced to life in prison for allegedly killing a man, and how and why his story became a media sensation. This book did a lot of connecting the dots across media and policy.

[Handel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the narrative form. I felt too much of the middle section was spent castigating supposed leaders of the black community but I did appreciate the historical analysis of Thomas Jefferson and American history. To know why Little B is where he is, we have to know about what brought him there. I havent finished book yet but hope to finish soon!

[King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book,gives a good lesson on Atlanta and it's history of how it came to be what some deem "black mecca".
But the pivotal point of the book is how still in America we(blacks,african americans)are still in a fight for freedom,not economic freedom,social freedom but god given freedom to pursue life liberty and the pursuit of happiness as AMERICANS.

[Deanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a canary in the coal mine. What had been random stories has become commonplace. Young black boys being viewed as unredeemable, therefore, expendable...being lost in the system then lost to the system.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

My vote for one of the best books of the 20th century, by far, especially for "Africans lost in America," especially
after Carter G. Woodson's The Mis-Education of the Negro.

[Alliephillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

god i love this woman more than life

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book.