The Black Shield: An American Memoir of Family and Power
American Memoir Power: The Black Shield is Wilbert L. Cooper’s account of Black policing in Cleveland, told through the history of the Black Shield organization and his own family’s generations of police service. The listing describes literary nonfiction that examines the tensions between racial justice, police reform, family history and economic security.
At a glance
- Connects the history of a Black police organization in Cleveland with the author’s family history in the city’s police force.
- Frames police reform through the conflicting roles policing has played in Black communities and in the author’s family’s economic security.
- The publisher describes the book as literary nonfiction.
Reference price: $32.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The linked family and organizational histories give the subject a personal and civic perspective.
- The listing identifies a substantial 416-page length for readers seeking an extended treatment.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Farrar, Straus and Giroux |
|---|---|
| Publication date | August 25, 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 416 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0374613524 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0374613525 |
| Weight listed | 1 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.45 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Black history, policing and reform debates.
- Readers drawn to family memoir woven with American social and political history.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a brief overview rather than a 416-page account.
- Readers seeking fiction or a narrowly technical guide to law enforcement.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
57% 57% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
21% 21% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
The supplied evidence contains aggregate ratings but no review-summary text. The distribution is mixed, with ratings spanning three to five stars, so it offers only a limited signal about reader reception and does not establish specific strengths or criticisms. Consider the book’s focused subject and substantial length when deciding whether it matches your interests.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Black Shield about?
The listing describes a mix of family story and history focused on Black police officers in Cleveland, the Black Shield organization and questions about policing and reform.
Who is the author?
The supplied listing identifies Wilbert L. Cooper as the reporter and author whose family history is central to the book.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 416 pages.
What language is this edition in?
The listing specifies English.
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