Why do you think Hartman chose to include archival photographs in the pages of the book? How does the visual element of the pictures complement the text and its argument about the way Black life is perceived?

Many biographical entries on Gladys Bentley refer to Bentley by she/her pronouns, whereas Hartman uses he/him. What is the significance of Hartman’s choice? What does this discrepancy say about the relationship between gender identity and the language we use?

What is extraordinary about the ordinary lives of the northern, urban Black poor at the turn of the 20th century?