While stories of organized crime most often dwell on groups like the Mafia and Chinese Triad or Tongs, African Americans also have a long history of organized crime. Schatzberg and Kelly trace nearly a century of African American organized crime, from numbers gambling in New York City in the 1920's to criminal groups in the ghettoes from the 1940's to the 1970's to gang activities of the present day. The authors also challenge existing stereotypes of African Americans and demonstrate the importance of studying any criminal activity within its historical and social context.