The Struggle for Change: Race and the Politics of Reconciliation in Modern Richmond

In his book "The Unintended Consequences of Racial Reconciliation: Richmond, Virginia, and the Struggle for Black Equality," Marvin Chiles explores how Richmond's efforts to overcome racial inequality have had unintended consequences, reinforcing racial disparities in economic mobility, housing, and public education.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: University of Virginia Press

Richmond, a city with a history of severe segregation and inequality, continues to face the challenges of its past as it enters the twenty-first century. Marvin Chiles offers a unique perspective on the city's racial politics since the civil rights era by highlighting that the current racial disparities in economic mobility, housing, and public education are unintended consequences of the city's efforts to reconcile its racial past. Through his meticulous research, Chiles weaves together municipal politics and grassroots initiatives, examining the work and legacies of Black leaders in Richmond, such as Henry Marsh on the city council in the 1960s and Mayor Levar Stoney. He sheds light on the urban revitalization and public history efforts aimed at overcoming racial divides after Jim Crow, but ironically reinforced racial inequality across the city. This project is compellingly written and holds significant importance for Richmonders, Virginians, Southerners, and all Americans.

Richmond, a city with a history of severe segregation and inequality, continues to face the challenges of its past as it enters the twenty-first century. Marvin Chiles offers a unique perspective on the city's racial politics since the civil rights era by highlighting that the current racial disparities in economic mobility, housing, and public education are unintended consequences of the city's efforts to reconcile its racial past. Through his meticulous research, Chiles weaves together municipal politics and grassroots initiatives, examining the work and legacies of Black leaders in Richmond, such as Henry Marsh on the city council in the 1960s and Mayor Levar Stoney. He sheds light on the urban revitalization and public history efforts aimed at overcoming racial divides after Jim Crow, but ironically reinforced racial inequality across the city. This project is compellingly written and holds significant importance for Richmonders, Virginians, Southerners, and all Americans.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813950334