Queenie: Godmother of Harlem

Gangsters during the Harlem Renaissance

This is a glimpse of the real-life mob boss Stephanie “Queenie” St. Clair. Born and educated in the French Caribbean, she emigrated to Montreal and then to New York City. She ran a significant numbers ring in Harlem and donated money to aid community social programs. She also educated residents on their legal rights and called out police corruption. When the Mafia moved in on Harlem gambling operations, she was one of the few bosses who did not submit to Brooklyn Boss Dutch Schultz’s, instead actively attacking his storefronts and tipping off police on his operations. This title covers some of that period while looking back at different moments in her early life. This is a great title to wet your curiosity about a fascinating figure in history who actually managed to retire from Mob life.