King David and Boss Daley: The Black Disciples, Mayor Daley and Chicago on the Edge

In the mid-twentieth century, two influential men in Chicago, David Barksdale, the Black Disciples leader, and Richard J. Daley, the legendary Mayor, ruled with an iron fist, embodying the fighting spirit of the turbulent 1960s. Their fates were linked by a time of change, protest, and transformational power, which was on the verge of a violent uprising. This book combines two unrelated 1960s stories into a single narrative that is both intimate and epic, capturing the unlikely story of a Negro boy who started a street gang and the legendary Mayor who saved Chicago from becoming another Detroit or Cleveland. The author, a gang expert and interventionist, uses archival documents, official reports, focus groups, interviews, and first-hand accounts to tell the story.

Format: Hardback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2022
Publisher: Prometheus Books

In the bustling city of Chicago during the mid-twentieth century, amidst the haze of urban renewal and the echoes of wrecking balls and bulldozers, two remarkable men emerged, each with their own unique story and formidable presence. Both were street-savvy leaders, one Black and one Irish, representing the vibrant spirit of the turbulent 1960s. One was David Barksdale, the charismatic leader of the Black Disciples, a youth club that would eventually give rise to America's largest street gang. The other was Richard J. Daley, the legendary Mayor of the City of Chicago, a man who left an indelible mark on American history as one of the longest-serving and most prominent mayors. Although these two men never met face-to-face, their lives intertwined during a time of profound change, marked by protests and the imminent threat of a violent uprising in America's second-largest city.

This captivating book, penned with the same vigor as its subject matter, weaves together two captivating stories from the 1960s, seamlessly merging them into a narrative that is both intimate and epic. The first part of the book delves into the unlikely journey of a young Negro boy, whose sharecropping family made the arduous migration from rural Mississippi to Chicago. In this new environment, he found solace and purpose in starting a street gang that would go on to become the largest in America. The second part of the book follows the remarkable life of Richard J. Daley, the larger-than-life Mayor of Chicago. His persona is legendary, and his influence extends far beyond the city's borders. While historians, political pundits, and those who knew him describe him as a proud Irish-Catholic who played a pivotal role in preserving Chicago from becoming another Detroit or Cleveland, they also acknowledge his contentious relationship with civil rights. Daley's stance on segregation was unwavering, and he often found himself at odds with civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Through the lens of these two men, the book offers a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on a pivotal period in American history. It sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of a city undergoing rapid transformation, as well as the complex dynamics between individuals and institutions. The Black Disciples, with their boldness and resilience, stood as a symbol of empowerment and resistance against the oppressive forces of society. On the other hand, Mayor Daley's leadership, despite its flaws, played a crucial role in shaping the city's future and preserving its economic prosperity.

This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of history to shed light on the complexities of the human experience. It invites readers to engage with the past and consider the lessons that can be learned from it, as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of our own time.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781633887862