Racial Realism and the History of Black People in America

Lori Latrice Martin's book "Racial Realism and the History of Black People in America" argues that racial realism is a key concept for understanding the cycle of optimism and disappointment experienced by black people in the United States. Derrick Bells' work on racial realism suggests that the subordination of black people is permanent, and the book covers historical topics such as Reconstruction, race in the 20th century, and recent events like #BlackLivesMatter, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the killing of George Floyd.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Lori Latrice Martin delves into the profound concept of racial realism in her book, "Racial Realism and the History of Black People in America." Through her insightful analysis, Martin unravels the intricate reasons behind the persistent cycle of optimism and disappointment experienced by black individuals in the United States. At the heart of Martin's argument lies the influential work of Derrick Bells, who posits that the subordination of black people in America is a permanent feature of society. Racial realism encompasses a wide range of historical topics, including Reconstruction, race in the 20th century, and recent events such as #BlackLivesMatter, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tragic killing of George Floyd.

As Martin meticulously outlines, throughout American history, black people have repeatedly held onto the hope that America would embrace the same values it cherishes and extend them to them. However, time and time again, their expectations have been dashed, leaving them deeply disillusioned. History serves as a testament to the repeated instances where black people have been raised to believe in a better future, only to face profound disappointment.

This book offers a crucial lens through which to understand the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by black individuals in America. By examining the concept of racial realism, Martin sheds light on the systemic barriers and inequalities that have perpetuated this cycle of hope and despair. It is a powerful call to action, urging readers to recognize the persistence of racial discrimination and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793648167