3. Stephanie St. Clair: Harlem’s Policy Queen
Stephanie St. Clair ruled Harlem’s lucrative numbers racket during the 1920s and 1930s, earning the title “Policy Queen.” Fiercely independent, she stood her ground against mafia encroachment, defiantly protecting her turf from notorious mobsters like Dutch Schultz. Beyond her criminal savvy, St. Clair was a vocal advocate for Black communities, using her influence to fight police corruption and champion civil rights. Her legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and empowerment.
