Jacqueline Cantwell

Employment

Young Black Men Looking for Work

I have worked as a law librarian for twenty years, seven of those years in Oakland, California and the past nine in Brooklyn. I judge the economy by the kinds of questions coming over the reference desk. In good times, the questions are varied because people are starting businesses and need to research how to register a company and which regulations govern. In bad times the questions are repetitive and about how to get out of debt. I point to books on bankruptcy, foreclosure, and student loans several times a day now.
The questions that sadden me the most are the young black men asking about the laws governing process servers. I know times are bad again when that question comes up. No one looks for that work when times are good. It’s a dangerous job; no one likes being served. These young guys are all decent young men trying to get by. They deserve so much more.

360 Adams Street, Room 349, Brooklyn, New York 11201