Urban African American

Lynch mobs, chain gangs, and popular views of black Southern criminals that defined the Jim Crow South are well known. We know less about the role of the urban North in shaping views of race and crime in American society. Chronicling the emergence of deeply embedded notions of black people as a dangerous race of criminals by explicit contrast to working-class whites and European immigrants, this fascinating book reveals the influence such ideas have had on urban development and social policies.

Can your first crush really turn into your first love? After experiencing heartbreak from a person she thought was her first love, twenty-two-year-old, shy, and awkward Alana directs her time and energy to her future rather than relationships. But that all changes when her best friend, Gia, invites her to a party which is hosted by her older brother, Christian— Alana’s first crush that she never fully got over. Christian is a sexy asshole with a no-nonsense attitude that women tend to flock to, even though he gives them his ass to kiss. At twenty-six, he is a successful entrepreneur ...

Khelani Touissant is the apple of her father's eye. He trusted her and her sister Anya to leave Trinidad and build his empire in the states while he ran things back at home. The number one rule that he always instilled in Khelani was to choose the money over love. She had always done just what her father wanted until she met Malachi in North Carolina and fell for him. Khelani soon learned that was a mistake and she moves on to Atlanta ready to make connections and power moves. She vows this time around not to get knocked off her square, but that proves easier said than done when she meets ...

A Completed Series And Spin-Off Of Cameron Diana’s life took a roundabout turn when she met Tariq Haddad aka Rico, a suave and devilishly handsome charmer who is every girl's dream and every father's worst nightmare. Although she was all too aware of the risk she was taking by getting involved with a smooth-talking faithless pimp who had an entire harem of women at his beck and call, Diana is powerless against his magnetism and finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into his web of secrets and lies. And now, when she finally realizes the gravity of her decision, it may be too late to ...

When the system fails you, sometimes justice requires a different approach—and the perfect pair of socks. After her abusive ex-boyfriend walks free despite overwhelming evidence, Sasha Williams reaches her breaking point. Armed with nothing but determination, a notebook listing those who've wronged her, and a collection of statement socks, she embarks on a mission to balance the scales of justice her own way. As her targets begin meeting bizarre "accidental" ends, Sasha transforms from victim to vigilante, attracting both devoted followers and relentless pursuers. But when her one loyal ...

In the Finale of Giving You My Love, questions will be answered, and hearts will definitely be broken. Just when Zaire and Kennedy thought life couldn’t get any better, Monique just had to start trouble by leaving her newborn son on his mother’s doorstep. Monique is on a mission to wreck-havoc in their lives. She refuses to let anyone be happy if she can’t be. While preparing for the birth of their son, taking care of Zaria and trying to better their relationship, can they make it through the whirlwind that Monique has in store for them? Just when we thought Michael had put his foot ...

In the pulsing heart of New Orleans, where ancient magic whispers through cobblestone streets and neon-lit jazz clubs, Detective Jason Chalk thought he knew the score. But when a routine drug bust spirals into a grotesque tableau of ritualistic murder, Jason finds himself standing at the threshold of a world he never knew existed—one where the lines between saint and sinner, magic and madness blur into oblivion. A cryptic symbol carved into flesh becomes Jason's obsession, a key to unlocking secrets that have lain dormant for centuries. As he delves deeper, the very fabric of reality ...

Nikki Ashford had it all. Not only was she drop-dead gorgeous with a figure to match, but she was smart – a top student at one of the most elite high schools in town. Moreover, Nikki was used to getting her way. As an only child, she was spoiled rotten by parents who had worked their way out of the hood in order to give her everything she ever wanted. The only problem was that Nikki wanted everything: clothes, money, jewelry... But at the top of the list was Quilon – who, shockingly, didn’t want Nikki. Unfamiliar with being denied what she wanted (and certainly not accustomed to being...

Concrete Roses – A Powerful Story of Love, Redemption, and Second Chances 💎 He’s fighting for a new life. She’s sworn off love. But some battles are worth the risk. 💎 After spending years behind bars, Tyrell Johnson is determined to turn his life around. He’s staying clean, keeping his head down, and trying to rebuild the relationships he lost—including the one with his children. But the streets of Dallas aren’t quick to forget, and neither are the people from his past. Enter Evelyn Serrano, a sharp-minded, no-nonsense retired detective who’s seen too many men like Ty ...

Fizz discovered that Riah was pregnant and had one question: was it his? Just when things seemed as though they were coming together, they started falling apart. Riah was holding resentment against Fizz because she thought he cheated. Could it be that someone was trying to tear them apart? With lies and betrayal between the two, can they keep it together and have a happily ever after? Dozer and De’Kiya’s relationship has really taken a great turn. They had become the ideal couple, but someone is out to sabotage their relationship. When shit hits the fan, will they sustain the lies and ...

Synopsis: Ebbson (Ebb) Scribbs is one of the most cold-hearted men in Nashville. He is one of the top accountants in the state and has accounts with top businesses and criminals. He loves money, and money is the only thing on his mind. Life has taught him not to care about anything or anyone until something changes his cold heart. Bobbi Cramer is a single mother, working hard to take care of her daughter, Timea. She has worked as Ebb’s assistant for over a year and puts up with his standoffish ways. Bobbi doesn’t care because all she needs is a paycheck to support her child since her ...

Marisol Rivera barely survived being abused with nowhere to turn. So there's nothing she won't do to keep her Lower East Side women's health clinic open and give disadvantaged women new lives. Running an exclusive escort service for New York City's rich and powerful 1 percent is the perfect way to bankroll her business - not to mention the perfect cover for robbing corrupt CEOs.

Two simple words with a meaning that could be a blessing or the beginning of your demise — I DO !! Deja Hawkins lives her life from paycheck to paycheck with a no-good man at the house while she works to pay the bills. She gets fed up with her boyfriend Kyren and tells him to get out while she’s at work. An unexpected guest in one of the rooms she cleans steps in with an offer of help to Deja in more ways than one. Amir Shaw has been groomed to take over the family’s business empire since he learned to walk and talk. He is caught off guard when his mother reveals a clause he’d never...

In this highly anticipated sequel & finale to the number one best seller, Blake Karrington once again takes you into the world of Ronnie King and Sloan Devaxx. King is facing one of the hardest trials of his life as he is falsely accused of murder and must fight for his freedom and his life. The truth can be harder to prove than a lie, especially when the liar is a public servant. The one saving grace is knowing that his family and the love of his life are there to back him every step of the way. For Sloan, life couldn't be more perfect. She has the man of her dreams and the beginning of ...

The fast-paced, hood drama continues in Heart of a Thug 4. Catching Markell “the Snowman” Etienne would be the highlight of Detective Jermaine Powell's career. That's why he's willing to do anything to get his hands on him —even if it means breaking the law and putting his career at risk. The detective’s desire soon becomes an obsession. A deadly one. Markell feels torn in different directions. He wants to do everything in his power to protect Kayla and her daughter. But he may have to abandon them in order to save his family. Nobody connected to him is safe. He’s at a crossroads....

Trust, Faith and the rest of the crew are back in this sequel to the best selling book Faith & Trust! Will The Russians win or does Trust and the gang have one more move to make! Buckle up your seat belt and get ready for a high paced ride!!

After avenging his homeboy’s shooting, MARQUAN is given a ten-year sentence on a murder charge. Locked up, he takes the time to reflect on his life and the decisions that have put him in unfortunate circumstances. Coming to the conclusion that he must change for the better, Marquan decides to turn his life around and live righteously. But his past comes back to haunt him, and he finds himself at odds with one of the most powerful cars behind the walls. They’re looking to take his head to right an injustice. Meanwhile, life on the outside isn’t what it’s cracked up to be for his ...

Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, Kameeko “Koko” Simmons’ longed for love but in her household she seemed to only receive hate and mistreatment. Thirsting for a much more fulfilling existence, Koko traded in the Windy City for the Twin Cities of Minnesota, hoping to find herself and get the business that she was so passionate about up and thriving. But sometimes the best laid plans go awry. Or do they? Koko meets and falls in love with CYRUS, a man that seems to be everything she’s always desired, but could he be a chameleon? Will love fulfill what Koko’s been missing or will it ...

When the cops come knocking on the door, Brees knows that the mistakes he made in Vegas have finally caught up with him. Juggling his own turmoil, as well as managing Quest is putting more on his shoulders than he feels he can handle. Through all of the chaos, he still manages to reconnect with Leah who he rekindled with because of her ties to his sister in law. Will Brees and Leah be able to find love in this mess he has created, or will their Vegas fling stay just that because of the complexity of Brees’s dangerous lifestyle? One Chill Millionaire 3: Brees

Tara was tired of going to bed every night alone and waking to an empty house. Here it was, another Christmas passing by, and she didn’t have anyone to spend it with. She made a promise to herself to break free and have some fun. No more living life cautiously. And her sexy neighbor would be the perfect person to help her practice what she preached. Bashir had seen his beautiful neighbor in the area every now and then, but he’d never had an opportunity to introduce himself. Either she was heading out, or he was turning in. He felt that he would finally get his chance when he saw her ...