The Black Butterfly: The Harmful Politics of Race and Space in America

The Black Butterfly is a best-selling book that examines how American cities can promote racial equity, end redlining, and reverse the damaging health and wealth-related effects of segregation. It reveals that ongoing historical trauma caused by policies, practices, systems, and budgets is at the root of uprisings and crises in hypersegregated cities around the country. The book offers a clear five-step plan for activists, nonprofits, and public officials to achieve racial equity and offers innovative solutions to help heal and restore redlined Black neighborhoods.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

The Black Butterfly is a groundbreaking exploration of how American cities can promote racial equity, end redlining, and reverse the damaging health and wealth-related effects of segregation. Winner of the IPPY Book Award for Current Events II by the Independent Publisher, this powerful book sheds light on the ongoing historical trauma that underpins uprisings and crises in hypersegregated cities across the country.

Author Lawrence T. Brown takes a close look at the causes of segregation, revealing many of them to exist in current legislation and regulatory policy, despite the common belief that overtly racist policies are a thing of the past. Drawing on social science research, policy analysis, and archival materials, Brown uncovers the long-lasting impact of racial segregation on health, from toxic pollution to police brutality.

Beginning with an analysis of the current political moment, Brown delves into how Baltimore's history influenced actions in sister cities such as St. Louis and Cleveland, as well as Baltimore's adoption of increasingly oppressive techniques from cities such as Chicago. However, there is reason for hope. Throughout the book, Brown offers a clear five-step plan for activists, nonprofits, and public officials to achieve racial equity.

Rather than simply describing and decrying urban problems, Brown goes beyond that, offering a wide range of solutions and strategies for creating a more just and equitable society. The Black Butterfly is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the root of urban inequality and working towards a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421445441