John Mollenkopf

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John Mollenkopf

This warm, insightful, and deeply researched study of Bertram Baker, arguably the most important black political leader in Brooklyn’s history, reveals how Afro-Caribbeans contributed centrally in the rise of black political influence in New York City. Both a biography of the author’s grandfather and an autobiography of growing up as a third-generation immigrant in Brooklyn today, Howell makes a brilliant contribution to understanding how our city came to be as it is.

A Day in Black Brooklyn History

On Tues., Nov. 2, 1948, Baker became the first black elected to political office in Brooklyn. Wife Irene is here with him at his swearing-in.

The Boss (Now Long Deceased) Reflects on His Feat

Brief, edited clips from Baker's talk at the Historical Society over 40 years ago.

Deval Patrick Recalls His Grandad-in-Law: the Boss

The ex-Governor of Massachusetts, Patrick is talked-about as a 2020 presidential candidate in 2020. (Read more here about him and the Boss.)

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Baker was also the Boss of Black Tennis

Althea Gibson was important in the life of Bertram Baker. He fought to get her into all-white tennis competitions. She then made history as the first black tennis champion. Yanick Rice Lamb, author of Born to Win: The Authorized Biography of Althea Gibson, comments. Read her review here.

Last of the Bigtime Bosses

Bertram Baker was at the end of a line of bosses who named judges, based in good part on loyalty. Here NY Supreme Court Justice Franklin Morton tips his hat to Baker's coffin. Published in the New York Times, March 12, 1985. Photographer: Chester Higgins.

Fatherhood as a Cross Generational Theme

Herbert Bias/Getty Images/Stock Photo

Ron Howell, author of Boss of Black Brooklyn and grandson of the Boss, wrote in 2014 about the crisis of black fatherhood. (Read here.)

Scholar: Here's a Key to Understanding NY Politics

Clarence Taylor, Professor Emeritus, Baruch College, author of The Black Churches of Brooklyn and other books, wrote that Boss of Black Brooklyn is crucial reading for anyone interested in the twentieth century political history of New York. (Read review here.)

The Island of Nevis is in the Limelight

For centuries, Nevis has been among the world's most desired destinations. So tiny and lovely. Yet it was too tiny for big dreamers like Alexander Hamilton and Bertram Baker. The island's leaders are proud of its natural gifts and most of all its history. Everson W. Hull, Ph.D., and Ambassador from St. Kitts and Nevis to the Organization of the American States, says Baker's story is a gift to Nevis, Brooklyn and America. (Read here)