A solid exploration of Black folk and membership within the working class in American history. Kelley positions herself within her research, telling the story of her own family, which was a really strong way to ground the book in an intimate lived experience. The book itself is somewhat linear, but provides an excellent overview of the breadth of Black labour post-emancipation (while still very much being a continuation of enslavement). This book will be a good text for students and those looking to learn more about Black economics and labour, but also labour historians in general.

A great examination of both the urban and rural working class. Interesting comparison of the class formation before and after the Great Migration. An important contribution to the scholarship, and one that rightfully places black workers at the center of the story, rather than as ancillary characters in the white working class. Strong examination of intersectionality and identity.