Black Brothers, Inc.

The Violent Rise and Fall of Philadelphia's Black Mafia

By: Sean Patrick Griffin

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The Black Mafia is one of the bloodiest crime syndicates in modern US history. From its roots in Philadelphia's ghettos in the 1960s, it grew from a rabble of street toughs to a disciplined, ruthless organization based on fear and intimidation. 

Known in its "legitimate" guise as Black Brothers Inc, it held regular meetings, appointed investigators, treasurers and enforcers, and controlled drug dealing, loan-sharking, numbers rackets, armed robbery, and extortion.

Its ferocious crew of gunmen was led by Sam Christian, the most feared man on Philly's streets. They developed close ties with the influential Nation of Islam and soon were executing rivals, extorting bookies connected to the city's powerful Cosa Nostra crew, and cowing local gangs. 

Police say the Black Mafia was responsible for over 40 killings, the most chilling being the massacre of two adults and five children in a feud between rival religious factions. Despite the arrests that followed, they continued their rampage, exploiting their ties to prominent lawyers and civil rights leaders. 

Convictions and sentences eventually shattered their strength - only for the crack-dealing Junior Black Mafia to emerge in their wake.

©2005 Sean Patrick Griffin (P)2020 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Griffin did extensive research and backs up his claims carefully . . . If you're a crime buff, a history lover, or if you just want something fascinating to read, it's a book you can't refuse." (Terri Schlichenmeyer, syndicated reviewer and host of www.BookWormSez.com)

Not what I was expecting

Not what I was expecting...and not in a good way. The narration was very dry. I don't feel like I knew any of the people involved in any way; and in fact, had trouble remembering who was who except for maybe 2 characters. Even then I had to remind myself who they were and how they fit into the story. I don't know if it was the narration or the actual writing syle, or both. I'm sorry I wasted a credit on this one.

Great Reviewer

I loved it! I actually know some of the principle characters! A very informative read!

Good but not Great

Was familiar with a lot of the facts mentioned and found out some new information as well. The narrator kept jumping around with the characters and their involvement. I was able to keep up because I knew some of the details but sheesh if these narrators can’t put some life into it I’ll just start reading the books myself 🙄.

Great believable story until the author ruins it

I was excited to read the book because many of the names and faces I knew while growing up. I was just about to say 💭 how much I like the book 📗 until the appendix. The author goes on a tangent about "political correct". PC is a buzz word that turns off people. Once one starts to go on about being "politically correct" "woke" all credibility goes out the window. If I read the appendix I won't have bought the book 📗. I was expecting the facts not the trade. I just wish the author chose his words more tactfully. One can be honest without howling at the moon. I understand and know exactly what he was complaining about. It started off good then crashed

Great Story/Bad Auration

It's a great story, however authors have to understand aurators bring life to a story. Due to the aurator I found it a little hard to follow. Someone who can do accurate accents and voice inflections would do your book justice. The story prevented me from abandoning the book.

Thanks for writing it.

(A book with an aurator right for the book is "Power of The Dog", listen to it to hear what i mean.)

Not Impressed

Narration was dry and unfeeling. Lots of informative history but hard to keep interest.

Great informative read

Loved this book, and the narrative was excellent!! I really loved how gripping it is.