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I read this book as part of a theme for my reading year of works by black authors on systemic racism and the black experience in the U.S. and around the world. Carter's book and his grandmother's story reminds me that sexism also has been and continues to be a scourge that oppresses. Eunice Carter, educated and ambitious, both pushed boundaries and hit limits set by her identity as black and female. Appointed as the sole female and Negro to a commission to investigate the NYC rackets, her assignment to cover "vice crimes" was considered low value and and menial work of the task force, but through it she uncovered the mob control of city prostitution. When the commission realized the value of her work, they took it over and did not give her a chair in the courtroom during the prosecution and sentencing of Lucky Luciano and the other felons. Passed over for many opportunities due most likely to both racism and sexism throughout her professional career, she persevered in trying to put her talents to good use, finding success internationally when her own nation kept her chances very proscribed.

I like how the author recreated his grandmother's life, and he gives a lot of credit to his daughter and many others who gave key assists to get the story told. We get insight into some forgotten black history of the early to mid-20th century. A little dry, it's still a good read.