The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth

From my FB page, Race For Equality.Kristin Henning’s book, “The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth”, is in a similar vein as Alexander’s, “The New Jim Crow”. It gives a comprehensive analysis of racial inequities across the country (though mostly in the Washington D.C. area) using extensive academic research and countless statistics. What separates it from Alexander’s book, however, is Henning’s dozens of accounts of her personal experiences as a lawyer helping black and other minority youth in the legal system.Because of how her book is structured, writing a summary isn’t the straightforward task the other texts were I’ve written about. While it is true her writing is analytical in terms of research, it doesnt have the same social assessment that other authors offer. It is experiential, intuitive, academic, and just as brilliant as any other author in this field. That combination of intelligence may make for an accessible delivery but equally as difficult to internalize for an adequate summary.What I personally appreciate about Henning is that she is the first author I’ve ever read that challenged my leftist positions politically, socially, and even as a father. In brief, she opened my mind in unexpected ways. As I read her book, she forced me to reconsider my worldviews on delinquency and “normal” adolescent behavior, such as how teenagers take regular risks in their safety, there were multiple passages that emphasize brain development, encounters with the law, and even problems with substance usage. If I had read this book ten years ago, I would’ve thrown it in the trash. However, after some soul searching, having made some major paradigm shifts, being in the midst of raising two teenagers, and going through many of the issues Henning addressed, I feel a sense of assurance that gives me the strength to carry my children into adulthood after reading her book.That said, her book can be divided into two sections, though she did not explicitly do so. The first five chapters discuss culture in black youth, the next six chapters confronts the potential traumatic effects of over policing black youth and the resulting consequences of racial disparities it creates in the juvenile and prison system. The last chapter offers alternatives to using the police as a means for routine discipline in public schools.The one thing she makes clear throughout her book (no differently from Alexander’s book), in conjunction with racist structures embedded within the judicial system, is how psychologically and economically detrimental those structures have played out in the black community. Henning rarely indicted the white community as much as other authors I’ve discussed but her use of research made it clear that her arguments were every bit as credible as any social academic in the field. She masterfully ties in her experiences, her professional life, and research into a nice package like no other author I’ve read. That in itself sets her apart.This was a $5 book and was the best investment I’ve ever made for the money. It was beautiful from cover to cover. Again, the only other author I’ve read with this kind of intensive research is from Alexander. Buy this book.

This is an excellent study, worthy of the time spent reading it. Highly recommend.

I have been working in the area of criminal legal system reform for over two decades and Henning's book taught me a ton I didn't know about all the ways the system treats Black and Latine kids differently. Reading this exhaustively researched and deeply compassionate book brought home how callous and punitive we can be when kids of color make mistakes, especially compared to their white counterparts. As Henning documents, if they’re white, kids are more likely to get nurtured so that they learn and grow as a result of these experiences, while if they’re Black, they are more likely to get suspended, arrested, and locked up. She writes of the devastating consequences system involvement can have on kids, compromising their sense of self and their options, long before they become adults.Importantly, Henning’s book also emphasizes how “strong Black families, heroic parenting, and valiant teaching” have supported the amazing resilience of children, allowing most kids of color to overcome these hurdles. But, as Henning’s book makes heartbreakingly clear, we’re making it too hard for some kids to be kids. Her book provides the motivation to change the way we treat youth, and then provides ideas for what those changes should be. Needless to say, it's a must read for anyone who wants to really understand why and how we need to change the way the system handles kids.

The author uses many poignant stories to illustrate how Black youth pay a higher price for behaviors that are similar to what White youth exhibit. She also points out how, when Black youth are steeped in the experience of being judged as dangerous or out of control, they sometimes fulfill that prophecy out of frustration.I would like to see more analysis of the range of consequences for White youth doing the identical acts of roughhousing, cursing, play-fighting, daring each other, and being disrespectful to adults.

After 25 years of working in the criminal legal system representing youth, Professor Henning lays out the perfect case of what is wrong with the system and what reform of the system can look like. What makes this book critical for anyone interested in criminal legal system reform, however, is what Kris centers in this book and of course, in her life, the youth and their experiences. She builds from there with the best research and thinking from a multiplicity of disciplines, making her case even more air-tight. This book will certainly become part of the canon of criminal legal system reform books of this age that will be stand the test of time.

Prof. Henning shines a bright light on the often ignored— yet systematic — marginalization and criminalization of Black youth and does it in a way that is accessible to those with no previous experience in the legal system or understanding of youth development. Her compassionate storytelling, combined with unparalleled legal insight and research, illuminates another of our society’s dirty little secrets. As someone who has worked in the field of youth defense for a long time, her stories are sadly not surprising to me; but her exploration of the causes and recommendations on what we can do to address them are exactly what we need. This is a must read for anyone who cares about children, our legal system, or our country.

This book is an awakening.

Enjoyed the book!. It gave me facts about how young Blacks are not treated the same from our Police department and the Judicial system. It is disturbing to read of the many accounts that proves this to be true.TOO many situations that leaves one wondering how can this be changed.