Half a Man: The Status of the Negro in New York

"Half a Man: The Status of the Negro in New York" by Mary White Ovington is a journey into the lived realities of African Americans in New York City during the early 1900s, revealing a stark contrast between freedom on paper and the harsh realities of prejudice. The author begins with a chance encounter with a Black man who feels like he is only "half a man," and then traces a line from slavery toward freedom, mapping out the long history of discrimination, setting the stage for a discussion of living conditions, treatment in the work force, and societal views during this era. The book challenges the false belief that African Americans had equal opportunities, shining a light on their daily battles against racism and inequality.