In the heart of America's bustling urban centers, where the echoes of the civil rights movement still resonate, "Locking Up Our Own" by James Forman, Jr., delves into the paradoxical embrace of tough-on-crime policies by African American leaders during the latter half of the 20th century. Forman, a seasoned former D.C. public defender, navigates the complex landscape of crime, fear, and policy with the precision of a legal expert and the touch of a storyteller. As crime rates soared and drug epidemics ravaged communities, the very individuals who had fought for civil rights found themselves supporting measures that would ultimately lay the groundwork for the era of mass incarceration. Through a mosaic of gripping narratives involving politicians, judges, community activists, and the people caught in the system, Forman illuminates the tragic consequences of these decisions on black neighborhoods and the ongoing struggle for justice. "Locking Up Our Own" is not just a historical account; it is a critical examination of the intertwined paths of race, law, and policy in America. Forman challenges readers to consider the complex motivations behind the African American leadership's stance on crime, revealing a deeper tragedy of good intentions gone awry. With compassionate insight into the dilemmas faced by those on the front lines, this book offers a poignant reflection on the past and an urgent call to action for the future, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of America's criminal justice crisis and the pervasive impact of race on its evolution.