Kelly Lytle HernándezCity of Inmates: Conquest, Rebellion, and the Rise of Human Caging in Los Angeles, 1771–1965 (Justice, Power and Politics)

This is the best study to date of the history of incarceration in Los Angeles. It shows how LA has become the incarceration capitol of the U.S., with most of those currently incarcerated being people of color, particularly Black people. Hernández takes us from the early native communities where human caging was unknown, through the Spanish colonists who built a jail as one of their first structures soon filled with the native people, to the modern carceral state. A riveting and revealing read.

I have read a lot of good studies of the history of race, policing and incarceration. City of Inmates stands out in every way. It is beautifully written, remarkably conceived and built on a bedrock of research. It tells a story about the arc of injustice in Los Angeles and ends with powerful testimonies by today’s activist who offer some hope of a better day ahead.

Great!

Kelly Lyle Hernandez is a must read. This book gives you history of the carceral system. History that is often left out or intentionally erased. 100% worth.

I really enjoyed this book. Tons of history to understand the present.